City of Mount Carmel met March 27.
Here is the minutes provided by the Carmel:
Invocation was given by Reverend Brandon Hodgson.
Present on Roll Call: Mayor Bill Hudson Commissioners – Eric Ikemire, Justin Dulgar, Rod Rodriguez
Also Present: City Administrative Assistant Rudy Witsman, City Attorney Tom Price, City Inspector Mike Gidcumb
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Hudson brought the city council meeting to order.
Mayor Hudson acknowledged Joe Cavatorta, who addressed the council concerning parking at a gravel area located at the back of the lot of the former Hadley’s building. Mr. Cavatorta stated he had previously asked about parking there and was informed that parking was not allowed. Mayor Hudson explained the area was supposed to be “grassed” all the way to the back of the lot and gravel was placed on the back part in error. Mayor Hudson stated the city is in hopes of selling the lot and in turn a new business being built there, hence the “no parking” allowed on the lot. The council decided to take Mr. Cavatorta’s request under advisement and notify him once a decision is made.
Mayor Hudson acknowledged the owners of “Backyard Bouncin”, Cory and Sydney Carmickle, who were addressing the council regarding the allowance of “inflatables” at the city parks for birthday parties, etc. The Carmickles’ had recently purchased the “inflatables” business from the former local owner who had previously had permission to setup the “inflatables” in the city parks. Mrs. Carmickle presented to the council proof of insurance and the regulations for anchoring the “inflatables” in hopes of working with the council to continue to allow “inflatables” at the city parks. City Administrative Assistant Witsman thanked the Carmickles’ for taking the time to attend the council meeting, providing their input regarding the “inflatables” and their willingness to work with the council on this issue. The council decided to review the information provided and to table a decision until a later date.
Mayor Hudson gave condolences on the passing of Daniel Will, the husband of Wabash County Clerk Janet Will. Mayor Hudson extended the council’s sympathy to Janet and her family.
Mayor Hudson announced applications for all positions for employment at the city swimming pool are available and can be picked up at City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Mayor Hudson announced Fix-Up/Clean-Up week is April 3rd through April 7th. Mayor Hudson reported on Saturday, April 8th, the Rotary Club will hold a city-wide cleanup of the “winter” trash throughout the city. Anyone interested in helping should meet at the city hall parking lot located at Second and Market Streets at 8:00 am on that Saturday. Mayor Hudson stated trash bags will be provided but please bring gloves. Mayor Hudson emphasized the project is a community wide project and encouraged all clubs, athletic groups, etc. to assist with the cleanup.
Commissioner Reports:
Commissioner Eric Ikemire – Streets, Cemeteries and Parks:
Commissioner Ikemire reported in the last two weeks the street department cleaned intakes; installed a new scoreboard in the Fourth Street softball field; finished refurbishing a barrel roller at the city park; cut and cleaned up trees in the 400 block of West Sixth Street and the 900 block of Plum Street; patched potholes; worked on getting vehicles ready for the city surplus auction in April; and mowed parks and ballparks.
Commissioner Joe Judge – Finance and Senior Citizens:
Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials.
Commissioner Judge absent.
Commissioner Justin Dulgar – Water and Sewer:
Commissioner Dulgar reported the maintenance department cleared locates; fixed fire hydrant; found water leak and repaired the leak; installed new water line service; exercised and lubricated the levee gates for the season. Commissioner Dulgar stated the water treatment plant performed a trial water treatment using new chemicals and the results overall were mixed. Commissioner Dulgar reiterated the new process was slightly different and less costly, however more input will be needed before a final decision will be made to change to the new chemical process. Commissioner Dulgar reported Water Treatment Plant Lead Operator Keith Reed finished the annual consumer report, which covers the 2016 water treatment results. The results will be available on the city’s website soon and the website address is printed on the back of the water bills. Commissioner Dulgar stated the water treatment workers are in full force mowing and landscaping around the plant.
Commissioner Dulgar reiterated the new water rate increases will be readdressed at the next council meeting on April 10th.
Commissioner Dulgar stated the Regional Water Commission is moving forward as the feasibility study grant has been applied for.
Commissioner Dulgar reported the wastewater plant has started its lawn care maintenance and the CMOM study is still ongoing. Commissioner Dulgar stated the plant is looking in to budgeting $30,000 in the new fiscal year for the complete overhaul of the Mulberry Street lift station.
Commissioner Rod Rodriguez – Fire, Health & Safety, Garbage, City Hall and Civil Defense:
Commissioner Rodriguez announced Fix-Up/Clean-Up Week is April 3rd through the April 7th. Commissioner Rodriguez reminded residents to not put out appliances, televisions, computers, electronics, etc. Commissioner Rodriguez stated if items are not picked up by Republic Services it is each individual’s responsibility to remove and/or dispose of the items.
Commissioner Rodriguez reported in the last two weeks the fire department responded to six runs and a representative from Deaconess Hospital conducted training on stroke and heart attack situations.
City Administrative Assistant – Rudy Witsman:
City Administrative Assistant Witsman reported he had met with Brushfire last week to go over a preliminary viewing of the city’s new website and the work on the site is still ongoing.
City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated the city has surplus vehicles and confiscated weapons that will be sold at public auction on April 27th at 10:00 am. The auction will be held at the city garage on East Fifth Street. City Administrative Assistant Witsman reported an invitation was extended to the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department and Wabash County to include any surplus items they might have.
City Attorney – Tom Price:
City Attorney Price no report.
City Inspector – Mike Gidcumb:
City Inspector Gidcumb affirmed the annual consumer report Commissioner Dulgar discussed is now available for viewing on the city’s website.
City Inspector Gidcumb reminded residents of the Nuisance Ordinance for high grass, which states only one notification letter will be mailed for the year; violators will have seven days to mow their grass; and if the city crew mows the property the fine is $75 for the first time, $150 for the second time and $300 for each additional mowing. City Inspector Gidcumb reported the city charges by man hours as well as equipment hours if bigger yards are mowed. City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated at the end of each year liens are placed against the properties that were mowed.
Business Motions:
Mayor Hudson and the Council approved the Consent Agenda, as presented in the agenda dated March 27th, 2017. The consent agenda approved the minutes for the council meeting held on March 13th, 2017 and approved paying all bills bearing the proper signatures.
Meeting adjourned at 5:28 p.m.
http://cityofmtcarmel.com/assets/city_files/pdfs/03-27-17.pdf
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