Council Meeting Minutes

March 17, 2008

I.      CALL TO ORDER:  Council President, Myron Anderson called the regular meeting of the Danville Town Council to order at 7:00pm on March 17, 2008 in the Danville Town Hall, 147 W Main Street. 

II.      ROLL CALL: Council President, Myron Anderson acknowledged a quorum of the Council and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. 

Clerk-Treasurer, Amy Roberts noted the following Council members in attendance:  Myron Anderson, Mike Neilson, Richard Burrows and Jeff Martin.  Steve Hartsock was not present.

Clerk-Treasurer, Amy Roberts noted the following Administrative officials present:  Gary Eakin, Town Manager; and Kevin Dogan, Town Attorney

III.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Motion made by Mike Neilson to approve the March 3^rd & 11^th, 2008 minutes as read, seconded by Richard Burrows.  Motion passed 4-0.

IV.      PUBLIC MEETING:

a)      Ordinance 04-2008, amendment to Danville Town Code, 33.03 Payment of Claims.  Motion was made by Jeff Martin and seconded by Richard Burrows.  Motion passed 4-0.

b)      Ordinance 05-2008, amendment to Ordinance 10-1996, increase to the reconnection fee for water disconnects.  Motion was made by Mike Neilson and seconded by Jeff Martin.  Motion passed 3-1, Richard Burrows voting, "nay".

c)       Resolution 04-2008, Out of Town Depositories, which allows the Clerk-Treasurer to seek the best interest rates and service for town investments from additional state approved depositories located out-side the Town limits.  Motion was made by Jeff Martin and seconded by Mike Neilson.  Motion passed 4-0.  Motion included the addition to the Ordinance of Ameriana Bank in Avon.

d)      Ordinance 06-2008, establishing a Fire Territory was introduced.

e)      Resolution 05-2008, providing for the sale of a Police Crown Vic to New Ross for $2,500.00.  Motion was made by Richard Burrows and seconded by Mike Neilson.  Motion passed 4-0.

f)       Policy amendment regarding Overtime.  Defines holiday hours as "actual work hours" for determining overtime pay.  Motion was made by Richard Burrows and seconded by Mike Neilson.  Motion passed 4-0.

V.      DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

Insurance Committee - Steve Carter, chairman explained the purpose of the committee, members that make up the committee and the reason for their recommendations for a switch in agent of record.  Mr. Carter informed the Council of the results of a recent poll that was taken by Town employees; a clear majority of those responding stated that they were pleased with Anthem Insurance but that a new agent was needed.  Myron Anderson, Council President asked to hear from Steve Steinway.  Mr. Steinway stated that he could provide the same plan exactly as was presented by Mr. Fox and that it was just a matter of deciding who you want as agent of record.  Mr. Steinway stated, "I think, I live here in Town. The money's not leaving the Town. It's not leaving the County. It's staying here on the square. And I quite frankly believe I deserve to be the agent of record."  Mr. Burrows asked Mr. Steinway to explain the 10% cut that was proposed by Mr. Fox and if he was willing to do the same if not better on the cut.  Mr. Steinway believed the 10% cut was probably on the commission side because the premium of the policy would not change with any agent. He did agree that he would do the same or better than Mr. Fox.  Motion was made by Richard Burrows to retain Mr. Steinway as agent of record and seconded by Jeff Martin.  Motion passed 3-1. Mike Neilson voted "nay".  Jeff Martin did make a statement to Mr. Steinway: "If two thirds of our people want a new agent, we've got a problem. Find it and fix it."  Mike Neilson and Richard Burrows all indicated their agreement with the statement made by Jeff Martin.

Fire Department - Chief Mark Morgan provided the 2007 DFD annual report for their review.  He informed the Council that the dive team had assisted the Plainfield Fire Department with a water recovery earlier in the day.

Parks Department - No report.

Planning - No report.

Police Department - Chief Gill reported that during the Geranium Festival on May 17^th , that the Police Department will be open to issue gun permits.  Progress is being made on the Rules and Regulations policy.  The Skate Park is already having some problems and the Police Department is working with the Parks Department to keep a handle on the problems.

Public Works Department - Superintendent Rob Roberts presented the WTH Engineering proposal to create a GIS layer for the new fiber optics infrastructure. Superintendents Roberts and Russell were asked to review the cost of uniforms, mats and supplies that we are currently paying for.  After the review of services and the actual needs of the various departments, the pricing was renegotiated saving the Town $5,046.96 annually. 

Myron Anderson, acknowledged a citizen seated in the audience.  He asked Mr. Hutchins if he was there to prove a point and if he was armed.  Mr. Hutchins replied, "Always." Mr. Anderson asked, "You are armed this evening?"  Hutchins answered, "Yes sir."  Mr. Anderson asked Mr. Hutchins to step outside with Chief Gill since it was a violation to carry deadly weapons inside the Town's municipal buildings.

Water Department - Foreman, Matt Ellison stated hydrant flushing will be April 6-10^th, 9pm - 5am and disconnect day will be April 25^th.

Wastewater Department - Bill Lush informed the Council that they were now on phase two of the IDEM request to locate any properties with sanitary laterals hooked into the stormwater sewers.

VI.      STAFF COMMENTS:

Town Manager, Gary Eakin:  No report.

Town Attorney, Kevin Dogan:  No report.

Clerk-Treasurer, Amy Roberts:

Investment Policy was presented for approval.  Motion was made by Mike Neilson and seconded by Richard Burrows.  Motion passed 4-0.

Mrs. Roberts informed the Council that National City Bank had agreed to remove all past charge card fees and interest for the Town.  She informed the Council of her research of unemployment options for the Town.  Currently we are paying into the unemployment insurance fund approximately $20,000 annually but we have the option as a municipality to be a reimbursable account and only pay out for each claim.  This should save the Town $18,000 to $20,000 based upon our past unemployment figures. 

VII.      PUBLIC COMMENTS:  

Mr. Hutchins, 202 Vestal Road, Plainfield, Indiana returned to the Council Chambers after Chief Gill had disarmed him. He made a clarification to the Council that he was there to expedite the process so he could get his day in court.  Myron Anderson directed Kevin Dogan to write a letter to the attorney handling the case for the Town informing them of Mr. Hutchins' second violation of the Town ordinance.

VIII.      CLAIMS:  Motion was made by Mike Neilson to approve the claim docket dated March 17, 2008, seconded by Jeff Martin.  Motion passed 4-0.

IX.      COUNCIL COMMENTS:

President Myron Anderson requested council action to spend $21,000 for a survey of the sidewalk project from Adams Street to Blanton Woods plus an additional $30,500 for Eagle Ridge to engineer the remainder of the project for the same area. Total survey and engineering project of $51,500 would be taken from the Community Host Fund. Motion was made by Richard Burrows, seconded by Jeff Martin.  Motion passed 4-0.

X.      ADJOURNED:  President of the Council, Myron Anderson adjourned the meeting at 8:36pm.

Minutes submitted by:                                             Approved by:

___________________________                          ____________________________

Amy J. Roberts, Clerk-Treasurer                           Myron C. Anderson, President