Fowler, Indiana Official Website

This is a draft of the minutes prepared by Kathy Schwartz, Fowler Clerk Treasurer. Minutes are those of the Town Council and this draft has not been approved by the Fowler Town Council. Any questions or comments can be submitted to the Fowler Clerk's office at 307 E. 5th St., Fowler, IN 47944 or by calling (765)884-0570.

May 19, 2008

                        The Town Council of the Town of Fowler met in the Town Hall, Fowler, Indiana, on the 19th day of May 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

Tom Sarault motioned to accept the minutes as reviewed and Linda Brouillette seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Tom Sarault motioned to request transfer of ownership for the property at 505 East Third Street, currently owned by the Benton County Commissioners. Carole Hoff seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous. This property can be deeded to the town at no cost and then sold to a citizen lien free. Upon town attorney approval and ownership transfer from the county, the property will be available.

            Mike Suggs, the public affairs director with NIPSCO, was present to give an update on what NIPSCO is doing to improve their services.

            Mike McIntosh, Local Economic Development Organization (LEDO), Michelle White and other members of the board of directors, were present to give an update on the economic development of Fowler and Benton County. Mr. McIntosh requested an amount from the council to fund the director's position. Gerry Parker motioned to fund the LEDO organization $50,000 this year and $50,000 next year for a two year commitment. Linda Brouillette seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

            Michael Schwartz was present to speak about the storm drain that has been draining into the retention pond near the Methodist Church. There is standing water present at all times in that area. Mr. Schwartz suggested adding more catch basins for the 10th Street area to help relieve additional water pooling in that area. He also wondered if anyone has had any relief of standing water since the construction was completed between 10th and 9th Streets. The water jet is going to be used to see if there is any obstruction in the storm drain before proceeding with any more catch basins. (NOTE: grass roots were found obstructing the drain and have been removed since the meeting)

            Gary Roe, 305 North Monroe,  was present asking to have the 2nd half of the alley between 1st and 2nd Streets vacated. Presently, there is no gravel and has had grass there for numerous years. If the Street, Sewer and Water department heads approve, Mr. Roe has the approval to proceed with the legal paperwork to have the alley vacated. Mr. Roe will have to retain his own attorney.

            Ordinance 2008-3, the Sewer Refunding Bond Ordinance, was motioned by John Berry to approve and seconded by Carole Hoff. The motion was passed.

            The council has decided not to add or change the direction of any STOP signs on 4th Street. Children at Play signs are a possible remedy for that area. President Parker will speak with the street superintendent for availability of those signs.

            The town council agreed that they would not renew the lease of property near the water tower for the safety of the tower.

            A Waiver Form has been submitted by the town attorney, Todd Sammons, to have all volunteers that use town equipment to sign. Tom Sarault motioned to accept this form and have all volunteers using town equipment sign to waive any and all claims against the town. Linda Brouillette seconded the motion. The motion passed.

            Tom Sarault asked if the town would sponsor the Toys for Tots golf outing for $500. This was tabled until another meeting.

            The council discussed the two mile buffer for zoning again. President Parker will discuss the procedures with town attorney, Todd Sammons, and report to the council at the June 2nd meeting.

A motion to pay all claims by Tom Sarault and second by Carole Hoff was approved.

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

                                                                                    ____________________________________                                                                 

                                                                                    Kathleen Schwartz, Clerk-Treasurer