Fowler, Indiana Official Website

February 19, 2008

                        The Town Council of the Town of Fowler met in the Town Hall, Fowler, Indiana, on the 19th 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 Gerry Parker, 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 & Thomas Sarault

ABSENT: NONE

Carole Hoff motioned to accept the minutes as reviewed and Linda Brouillette seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Pat Claire spoke on behalf of Joan Rodenberger and the flooding that was in the Third Street area in the past month. Much discussion was made to what could be the problem. The engineer will be in Fowler and a survey of the area will be made this week.

            Jim Schoen, owner of Hoosier Associates, was present to discuss flood insurance that is available to the citizens within the town limits of Fowler. This coverage is available from any insurance agent that is registered to sell flood insurance.

            Discussion concerning the trash contract rate increase (base price of $67,080 per year to $112,080 per year) resulted in much input but no resolution to control customer pricing. It is hopeful to have a representative from Allied Waste at the next meeting to discuss further options.

            Appointments have been made for the openings of the following boards:

                        Board of Zoning Appeals (5 members) One additional member needed.

                                    Corey Robb (1-1-2009)

                                    Jackie Bowman (1-1-2010)

                                    Nancy Rainier (1-1-2012)

                                    Pat Claire (1-1-2012)

                        Area Plan Commission (7 members) One additional member needed.

                                    Gerry Parker (1-1-2009)

                                    Alan Leuck (1-1-2009)

                                    John Rice (1-1-2012)

                                    Pat Claire (1-1-2012)

                                    Greg Silvers (1-1-2012)

                                    Robert Sloniger (1-1-2012)

            The town council agreed at the February 4th meeting to supply the materials for a storm drain project Michael Schwartz is doing between 9th and 10th Street. Mr. Schwartz asked the council to possibly pay for part of the labor since the work would help alleviate some of the drainage problems in the area of 10th Street. Carole Hoff motioned to deny the partial payment and Tom Sarault second the motion.

                        Ayes                            Nays

                        None                            John Berry

                                                            Tom Sarault

                                                            Carole Hoff

                                                            Linda Brouillette

                                                            Gerry Parker

            Carole Hoff motioned to pass ordinance 2008-1, an ordinance regarding proper ethical conduct by all representatives of the Town of Fowler, failed due to a lack of a second.

            The council established a priority list for grants as follows:

•1.       (tie) New water plant and storm drainage

•2.      Community Center

•3.      Swimming Pool

A representative from K-IRPC will be present at the next meeting to establish protocol for the above grants.

            A letter of support for renovation of facilities and upgrading to paramedic service was signed by the council members. Linda Brouillette motioned to pledge $10,000 to the ambulance service. Carole Hoff seconded the motion.

Ayes                            Nays

                        Linda Brouillette           None

                        Carole Hoff

                        Tom Sarault

                        John Berry

                        Gerry Parker

The motion passed. The money has been pledged from the General Fund - Clerk - Promotional Fees and will be paid during the next claim cycle.

            Assistance to Firefighters 2003 Grant Program through FEMA was recently closed. A sum of $602 of unused money has to be returned. Carole Hoff motioned to take the money from General - Clerk - No Appropriation for the amount. Tom Sarault seconded the motion.

                        Ayes                            Nays

                        Linda Brouillette           None

                        Carole Hoff

                        Tom Sarault

                        John Berry

                        Gerry Parker

The motioned passed.

            There will be an Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) Roundtable for government officials on March 19th at the Benton County Country Club.

            Tom Sarault motioned to pay the $500 lien for property on Washington Avenue that is deemed unsafe. This will release the property to the original owner. The owner will have the buildings demolished and donate to Habitat for Humanity. Linda Brouillette seconded the motion.

                        Ayes                            Nays

                        Linda Brouillette           None

                        Carole Hoff

                        Tom Sarault

                        John Berry

                        Gerry Parker

The motion passed. The money will be taken from General - Clerk - Promotional Fees.

            John Berry motioned to pay Jon Johnson his conference fee and wages to attend a water seminar in March. Tom Sarault seconded the motion.

                        Ayes                            Nays

                        Linda Brouillette           None

                        Carole Hoff

                        Tom Sarault

                        John Berry

                        Gerry Parker

The motion passed.

            The council discussed attorney interviews, the NIPSCO power outage and implementing a two-mile radius zone around Fowler. Tom Sarault asked to have interim town attorney, Jud Barce, to look into it immediately.

A motion to pay all claims by Tom Sarault and second by John Berry was approved. A motion to accept the payroll claims as reviewed was motioned by Linda Brouillette and second by Carole Hoff. The motions passed.

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