Fowler, Indiana Official Website

February 4, 2008

                        The Town Council of the Town of Fowler met in the Town Hall, Fowler, Indiana, on the 4th day of February 2008 at the hour of 6:00 P.M., for a regular meeting pursuant to call in accordance with the rules of the Council. The meeting was called to order by Thomas Sarault, who presided. On call of the roll the members of the Council were shown to be present or absent as follows:

PRESENT: Linda Brouillette, Carole Hoff, John Berry, Gerald Parker (who came to the meeting late due to an emergency) & Thomas Sarault

ABSENT: None

Linda Brouillette motioned to accept the minutes as reviewed and John Berry seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Three applicants for the town attorney position have submitted interest. They are Jeff Drinkski, Morocco; Todd Sammons, Rensselaer; and Jud Barce, Fowler. The council will set up interviews for Wednesday, February 20th to begin at 6:00 pm.

            The discussion of the trash contract increase has been tabled until John Berry and Tom Sarault can discuss different options with the clerk treasurer. The community newsletter has requested ideas from the citizens and their thoughts will be brought to the table. The council representatives will bring options to the next meeting.

            There has only been one applicant for the Board of Zoning Appeals and Plan Commission. The appointments will be tabled until the next meeting to allow more time for applicants.

            Dennis Rice, Police Chief, presented an estimate from Dave's Computer World for a custom computer for $1,259.00. This computer will be a stand alone that is specifically for the in car video cameras. Linda Brouillette motioned to approve this purchase and Carole Hoff seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

            Michael Schwartz was present to request the town pay for materials to install a storm drain line. He requested the town to pay for the major materials (catch basins, pipe and manholes) and possibly part of the labor cost. Mr. Schwartz explained that the line he will install will help many homeowners alleviate flooding in the area. Dwenger Excavating Contractors will be the contractor doing the work. Linda Brouillette made a motion to pay for the materials and John Berry seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Several council members will survey the area and determine if the town will absorb any of the $6,100 labor cost.

            Doris Fultz, a former citizen of Fowler, requested the council review her utility bill. A former owner of the business that was purchasing the property on contract from Ms. Fultz was delinquent in his bill. Linda Brouillette motioned to write off $104.68 of Brian Wilson's bill as there is no service on his address. Carole Hoff seconded the motion. Tom Sarault abstained from the vote. The vote was unanimous.

            Jud Barce reported to the council that the Benton Community School Corporation is submitting a grant for May 1st to help with the cost to demolish the elementary school.

            Carole Hoff motioned to increase the salaries by 2%. She noted that there were no increases for several years and 5% was budgeted each year. The employees did receive a 3% raise for 2008. This issue will be tabled until another meeting.

            Brad Hoaks was not able to attend the meeting due to the train emergency. Gerry Parker presented the information in his place. The Benton County Ambulance Service is requesting letters of support for the grant process to secure a larger building for the ambulance. A larger building is needed to accommodate the larger ambulances and for staff spending the night. Paramedics on staff are in the near future. These letters must be turned in by March 1st. Anyone that has any comment concerning the new building should submit a letter. They will be asking for a monetary contribution at a later date.

            A citizen requested the town pay for her stay at a hotel until her water line was repaired. After conferring with the town's attorney, the council was unanimous in not allowing this request.

            John Budreau, street superintendent, requested permission to attend the Vector Control Conference in Indianapolis, March 10th and 11th. This conference is continuing education for mosquito control. The council unanimously approved the conference.

            A motion to pay all claims by Gerry Parker and second by John Berry was approved. A motion to approve the payroll claims was made by Linda Brouillette and seconded by Gerry Parker. The motions passed unanimously.

            There being no further business presented to the meeting, on motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the meeting thereupon adjourned.