Mike Selch - President

MINUTES OF

TOWN OF NORTH SALEM

COUNCIL MEETING

JUNE 3, 2010

1.  CALL MEETING TO ORDER:

The June 3, 2010 Town of North Salem Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Mike Selch at 6:00 pm.

2.  ROLL CALL:

Mike Selch – Present           ____________________________

Billy Woodrum – Present   ____________________________

Mike Russell –  Absent      ____________________________

3.  READING OF MINUTES:

Billy made a motion to approve the May 2010 minutes as written; Mike S. seconded; motion passed. 

4.  CITIZEN INPUT:

a.  John Berry discussed the need for a new warning siren at fire department.  He researched a grant available through the FDA, but they told him Eel River Township was not eligible because we had too much money in our community.  He has been talking with a man who has a used siren which is electric and would rotate around and provide increased coverage to the town that they could mount on a pole at the fire department and the cost would be around $9,000.00.  John is wondering if the Town and the Township and Fire Department could split this cost.  We could keep the siren on the water tower as well.  He also said he was still researching possible grants.  Mike S. mentioned that he has heard that several people in town cannot hear the present siren when it goes off.  Harold Blake asked if need be, could the cost be split between this year’s budget and next year’s budget.  After much discussion it was suggested that John follow up with the Township Trustee and bring information back to the Board next month.    John also mentioned that there is a meeting on June 9^th regarding the new communications center.

b.  Brian Barker was in attendance and spoke about a situation (criminal offense)  he was involved in on April 22 that still has not been resolved.  He asked the Board Members if something could be done to assist him; Billy said that they would look into this.   On a different note, Brian also asked who was responsible for the broken concrete (sidewalk) in front of his house.  He was told that this is the homeowner’s responsibility but that the town will pay up to $500.00 for new concrete and the property owner does the work or hires it done.

c.  Tom Lyle asked who was responsible for the street lights because there were a couple out on State Road 75 south of town.  Mark said it was Duke Energy and that he would call them to report the outages.

d.  Beth Russell asked if the town would be open to having an ordinance on file regarding fines for individuals who let their animals use the bathroom on other people’s property and don’t pick it up.  Billy  said he did not see why not and said that other towns and cities require owners to pick up after their animals use the bathroom.

5.  OLD ITEMS:

a.  Codification update – nothing to report at this time.

b.  Update Ordinances – all squared away at this time.

c.  Insurance Alliance Risk recommendations update – Mark said there is no way to put a bottom in the existing merry-go-round without substantial cost; it would probably be cheaper to buy a new one.  He’d like to keep it because the kids love it.  Mike S. will send a letter to the insurance company explaining the situation and see what they say.

d.  Waste Water Grant update – North Salem was not among group that was approved for this grant.

e.  Swimming Pool Ordinance 2^nd Reading – Billy made a motion to accept ordinance as written; Mike S. seconded.

June 3, 2010 Minutes – Page 2

6.  NEW ITEMS:

a.  Water and Waste Water Budgets update – budgets look good and are on track.

b.  Mike S. would like to hold Executive Session on the salary ordinance.  Date was set for June 28^th at 6:00 pm; Cheryl will advertise.  Regular meeting to be held July 1^st.

c.  175 Committee will have meeting June 7^th.

d.  Plans for the “Old Fashion Street Fair” are progressing; Harold mentioned that he did see it advertised.

7.  DEPARTMENTS:

a.  Mark said that Wabash Valley will be paving sometime this month.  Also, the new playground equipment has been put up at the park. 

b.  Mike S. said there is a grant available now to “bring back the 4^th of July” to small towns.  You can go online and answer trivia questions to earn points to go towards your town. 

c.  Billy mentioned there were some issues with golf carts in town and kids driving them recklessly.  Also, there are speeders on the north end of town – usually the same three or four trucks.  He also asked about the minutes posted on the window of the Town Hall each month.  It was decided to add “proposed minutes” to these until they are passed at the next month’s meeting.

8.  ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6.41 pm.  The next Council meeting will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 6:00 pm.

Attest:

_____________________________________

Cheryl Russell

Clerk-Treasurer

APRIL 8, 2010

1.  CALL MEETING TO ORDER:

The April 8, 2010 Town of North Salem Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Mike Selch at 6:03 pm.

2.  ROLL CALL:

Mike Selch – Present           ____________________________

Billy Woodrum – Present   ____________________________

Mike Russell – Present       ____________________________

3.  READING OF MINUTES:

Billy made a motion to approve the March 2010 minutes as written; Mike R. seconded; motion passed. 

4.  CITIZEN’S INPUT:

1. There was no citizen’s input.

5.  OLD BUSINESS:

1. Mike S. spoke about the ongoing work being done on codification and also

updating a few of our ordinances with regard to sewer and water deposits, owners versus renters, etc.  Harold Blake is working on this and would like any copies we might have that he doesn’t.

6.  NEW BUSINESS:

     a.  Jim Frazell, a representative from Triad, spoke to the board about available grant money for water projects; this had been discussed with Triad in May of 2009.   He presented the Board with information on grant funding available from FEMA Disaster Relief funds and that the deadline for application was the beginning of July.  After much discussion, it was decided that further information was needed before a decision could be made. 

     b.  John Berry asked if it was possible to get a street light installed in the parking lot at the fire station.  It is very dark and maybe a dusk to dawn light could be installed.  Mark B. said he would speak to Joe Goldsmith about installing one on the south side of the building. 

7.  DEPARTMENTS:

1. Donnie let the Board know that he received his taser and will be certified for

using it on Monday or Tuesday of next week.  Also said that the Indiana Department of Homeland Security will be providing weather radios free of charge some time in the near future.

      b.  Mark B. let the Board know that he will be gathering bids for paving on S. Nebraska and Railroad Streets; also putting in sewer lines at park next month.   Mike Selch let Mark know that Frank Walker took pictures of the garage and the east side of the garage needs to be moved to the west side so he can use the east side for 175 celebration display over Old Fashion Days weekend.

      c.  Mike S. mentioned that he was putting together an application for a grant from the Energy Department for the wastewater plant.  Also mentioned that the 175  Spring Ham and Bean Supper will be held April 24^th at the Community Building from 5-8 pm; also, Heavy Trash Curb Side pickup is April 27^th.

      d.  Mike R. made a motion to donate $100 to Eel River Township Fire Department; Billy seconded; motion passed unanimously.     

8.  ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm.  The next Council meeting will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 6:00 pm.

Attest:

_____________________________________

Cheryl Russell

Clerk-Treasurer

TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING

March 4, 2010

1.  CALL MEETING TO ORDER:

The March 4, 2010 Town of North Salem Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Mike Selch at 6:00 pm.

2.  ROLL CALL:

Mike Selch – Present                ____________________________

Billy Woodrum – Present          ____________________________

Mike Russell – Present ____________________________

3.  READING OF MINUTES:

Billy made a motion to approve the February 2010 minutes as written; Mike R. seconded; motion passed. 

4.  CITIZEN’S INPUT:

1. Woody Woodrum asked about flags for the veterans to place at the cemetery and if the town could possibly purchase new ones – about 225 or so for Memorial Day this year.  Mike S. made a motion to fund this and Billy seconded; motion passed unanimously.
2. John Berry spoke on behalf of Donnie about a situation that had occurred in town recently.  He feels that Donnie should have a taser.  Donnie explained the situation further and noted that he did have funds available to purchase this particular piece of equipment.  Board gave their okay to purchase what he needed.

5.  OLD BUSINESS:

1. Mike S. spoke about the need for us to re-word a few of our ordinances with regard to sewer and water deposits, owners versus renters, etc. 
2. Mike S. also spoke about our tail insurance policy and that we are still working

      things out.

6.  NEW BUSINESS:

     a.  Billy made a motion to again donate $100 to Tri West High School for post prom   

          this year, Mike R. seconded; motion passed unanimously.

     b.  Board discussed the town’s ordinance on hooved animals within town limits.

7.  DEPARTMENTS:

1. Donnie mentioned that he has written several citations and several warnings; also has seen an increase in domestic disputes.      

8.  ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:31 pm.  The next Council meeting will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 6:00 pm.

Attest:

_____________________________________

Beth Russell

Deputy Clerk-Treasurer

TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING

February 4, 2010

1.  CALL MEETING TO ORDER:

The February 4, 2010 Town of North Salem Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Mike Selch at 6:01 pm.

2.  ROLL CALL:

Mike Selch – Present                ____________________________

Billy Woodrum – Present          ____________________________

Mike Russell – Present ____________________________

3.  READING OF MINUTES:

Billy made a motion to approve the January 2010 minutes as written; Mike R. seconded; motion passed. 

4.  CITIZEN’S INPUT:

1. No Citizen Input

5.  OLD BUSINESS:

1. Mike S. spoke about codification and the need to gather together all of our ordinances from 1988 through 2009.  Harold said he would try to locate some as well; can review old minutes for ordinances.
2. Also need to bring our ordinances on utilities up to date; amend ordinances for owners, renters deposits and penalties for late payments, etc.

6.  NEW BUSINESS:

            No New Business

7.  DEPARTMENTS:

1. Donnie spoke about picking up patrol on Ladoga Avenue over the last two weeks.  He has written a few warnings and tickets.  Also reported  that from January 2009 to July 2009 he had 18 arrests and 6 assists; he wrote 225 traffic tickets in 2009.  Billy thanked Donnie for patrolling Ladoga Avenue.
2. Billy inquired about greenhouse property clean up and any appeal.  No one has heard anything to date.  He also mentioned the need for several properties in town that need to be cleaned up and the need to really focus on that this year.
3. Mike S. spoke about the 175 committee; there will be a meeting March 15 and they hope to have another Ham and Bean supper April 17^th.      

8.  ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:19 pm.  The next Council meeting will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 6:00 pm.

Attest:

_____________________________________

Cheryl Russell

Clerk-Treasurer

January 21, 2010

1.  CALL MEETING TO ORDER:

The January 21, 2010 Town of North Salem Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Mike Selch at 6:00 pm.

2.  ROLL CALL:

Mike Selch – Present                ____________________________

Billy Woodrum – Present          ____________________________

Mike Russell – Present ____________________________

3.  READING OF MINUTES:

Before approving the November 2009 meeting minutes, Mike read aloud an email he received from Dan Power regarding the town insurance….. “Mike, you are correct…our insurance market reviewed the loss history provided by Porter and based their current coverage terms and pricing on this history.  As the town’s claims history improves or claims “age off”, more premium credits will be available on future renewals assuming all other variables and exposures are equal.  Furthermore, our proposed insurance program included other enhanced coverage limits in addition to the automatic Flood and Earthquake coverage.”   After,  Billy made a motion to approve the amended minutes as written; Mike R. seconded; motion passed.

In addition, Billy made a motion to approve the December 2009 minutes as written; Mike S. seconded; motion passed. 

4.  CITIZEN’S INPUT:

1. No Citizen Input

5.  OLD BUSINESS:

1. Mike S. gave an update on Bond insurance for the town employees.  They will remain with Porter Insurance.  Also, crime coverage was separate through Porter Insurance, however, it is included in the insurance with Fleece\Power.
2. Mike S. gave an update on the Census.  He gave the Census Bureau the phone number for Joyce Greene, Township Trustee, so they could call and possibly arrange for a private place to assist people with completing their census form.  Mike mentioned that they want us to post a picture on the town website advertising jobs available with the Census Bureau.  April 1 is Census day; forms will be passed out door to door in February or March.
3. The  Town Hall now has a new (used) copier\fax machine combination that is working out well.
4. Mike S. spoke about codification of our municipal code and encumbering funds for this.   Cheryl said that she would like to take half of what is currently in the trash account and put it in the general account and we could use this to pay for the codification.  Mike S. made a motion to do this, Billy seconded; motion passed.

Board Meeting Minutes – page 2

6.  NEW BUSINESS:

a.   Election of Officers for 2010.   Billy recommends Mike S. continue as President, Mike R. seconded.  Mike R. nominated Billy as  Vice President; Mike S. seconded; both passed unanimously.

b.  Mike S. spoke about our need to update ordinances; i.e. utility deposits and refunds for owners\renters.  We will need to speak with Harold about this.

7.  DEPARTMENTS:

1. Harold Blake – Town Attorney 

No Report

1. Water and Street Superintendent – Mark Basham

No Report

      d.  Clerk-Treasurer – Cheryl Russell

            No Report

1. Billy – the speeding continues on Ladoga Road; Mike R. mentioned there is also 

      speeding on North California Street both in the morning and the evening.

8.  ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:17 pm.  The next Council meeting will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 6:00 pm.

Attest:

_____________________________________

Cheryl Russell

Clerk-Treasurer

December 3,  2009

1.  CALL MEETING TO ORDER:

The December 3, 2009 Town of North Salem Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Mike Selch at 6:00 pm.

2.  ROLL CALL:

Mike Selch – Present                ____________________________

Billy Woodrum – Present          ____________________________

Mike Russell – Present ____________________________

3.  READING OF MINUTES:

Before approving the November 2009 meeting minutes, Billy wanted them to mention that prices on insurance were higher from Porter because of current claims and that Byron said that our premiums would probably come down next year.  Mike S. stated that  he spoke with Dan Power about this and Dan stated that the claims calculations are included in their premium already (as part of their risk assessment). As the claims age off, the premium will go down.  Billy made a motion to amend the November minutes to include this information; Mike R. seconded; motion passed. 

4.  CITIZEN’S INPUT:

1. Woody Woodrum asked about clean up in town and how it was going.  Mike S. stated that we are waiting for another situation to be resolved and still evaluating our options available.  Billy stated that we need to enforce the Town Clean Up Ordinance.

5.  OLD BUSINESS:

1. Harold Blake spoke about the police car; stated that he went over all information that Donnie had and that Donnie has covered all the bases and does not expect to hear any thing else.
2. Mike S. gave an update on the town insurance.  He said that at the October Board Meeting we determined to take the less expensive insurance as long as the policies were comparable.  And, as far as we could determine (up through November) they were comparable except for deductibles, which Porter’s had higher deductibles.  Byron admitted he could not match the rate that Fleece/Power had.  Mike S. then sent an email to everyone to finalize the switch and make sure everyone was on the same page.   From the response he received from that email, he went ahead and made the decision to switch companies at $1600 less in premium cost per year with more insurance (including flood and earthquake insurance).   Since then, an issue came up about the need for the town to have Terrorist Insurance as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance.  He spoke with both Byron Porter and Dan Power and they both said don’t get it so Mike S. made a motion to decline this additional coverage; Mike R. seconded; motion passed.  Patty Woodrum then asked Mike S. if the town was going to switch to Fleece/Power for the position bonds.  Mike S. will check on this.

Town Council Meeting Minutes – Page 2

1. Mike S. gave an update on the Census.  There was a mailing in June or July to us asking if we had a homeless center for homeless people and then again in August regarding a boundary survey and whether or not our boundary survey was correct.   Mike verified all of this information.  Another survey on the boundary was received again last month and then again this month saying the survey had been reversed.  Mike finally made contact with them and they said that the federal guidelines of the boundary survey do not agree with the states or with ours.  They said if they had any further questions, they would contact us.  Mike said he then received an email from the US Census Bureau asking us to set up a semi-private counseling area for people who cannot complete the census.  This semi private area cannot contain a police department or security cameras.   They asked about using the school and Mike told them they would need to contact Northwest Hendricks School Corporation.  They could use the Community Building but would need to contact the Trustee about renting it themselves. 

6.  NEW BUSINESS:

a.    Mike S. made a motion to use any leftover funds for codification and a new copier and fax machine if there is enough. 

b.  Mike S. reported that the Old Fashion Christmas coming up was going well.  The ham and bean supper for the 175 Committee went well – they raised over $1,200.00 to be forwarded to HCCF – North Salem Fund. 

c.  Need to update ordinances in early 2010.

d.  Billy made a motion to accept the 2010 Board Meeting dates; Mike R. seconded; motion passed unanimously.

e.  Billy made a motion to accept the 2010 holiday schedule; Mike. S. seconded; motion passed unanimously. 

7.  DEPARTMENTS:

1. Harold Blake – Town Attorney 

No Report

1. Water and Street Superintendent – Mark Basham

No Report

      d.  Clerk-Treasurer – Cheryl Russell

            No Report

8.  ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:34 pm.  The next Council meeting will be held on Thursday, January  7, 2010 at 6:00 pm.

Attest:

_____________________________________

Cheryl Russell

Clerk-Treasurer

Mike Selch

TOWN OF NORTH SALEM COUNCIL MEETING

November 5,  2009

1.  CALL MEETING TO ORDER:

The November 5, 2009 Town of North Salem Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Mike Selch at 6:03 pm.

2.  ROLL CALL:

Mike Selch – Present                ____________________________

Billy Woodrum – Present          ____________________________

Mike Russell – Absent  ____________________________

3.  READING OF MINUTES:

The October 2009 meeting minutes were approved as written.

4.  CITIZEN’S INPUT:

1. There was no citizen’s input.

5.  OLD BUSINESS:

a.  Discussion was held regarding town insurance currently through Porter Insurance.  Dan Power, representing Fleece\Power Insurance, was in attendance, and spoke regarding current policy information and how he is presenting us a new quote based on our current policy.   One concern he had was with the issue of Public Official Liability and any outstanding claims that might still be or need to be reported, which would possibly necessitate a need for “tail insurance”.   Dan asked Byron Porter if there was this type of insurance on our current policy and he said no.  This tail insurance would cost about $700 per year or $1,642 for five years; the retro date on our current policy is 1994.  At this time there are no unknown prior acts or outstanding claims.    If we think there might be a claim that has not been brought forth yet, it would be money well spent to buy a tail.  If any Board member is aware of any situation that could lead to a claim it must be submitted in writing by that Board Member. 

It was also discussed that one of the reasons that Porter’s policy is higher, according to Byron, was due to the fact that the town has had insurance claims over the past couple of years which, obviously, raised our premium.  Billy suggested we wait until next year to see if our premium goes down.

Byron then said that they came in about $1180.00 higher than Fleece\Power Insurance; he spoke with his underwriters and came down as much as he could.    Billy asked if the insurance policies from both companies were about the same; Byron said that Fleece\Power includes flood and earthquake; Porter’s cannot buy flood insurance – but the town is in the program for county flood insurance and individuals in town can purchase this type of insurance.  Byron also said that he bumped up the deductibles and changed coverage a bit to reduce the premium.  The policies are comparable with the Fleece\Power insurance premium being lower, however the markets could change next year.

Town Council Meeting Minutes – page 2

After much discussion, it was Billy’s suggestion that we wait and put out for bids next year before our renewal date.   Mike S. said he wants all three board members to discuss before a decision is made.

b.  Small Town Dispatch Fee – Donnie said there was going to be a meeting the week of November 9^th to hopefully get some answers.  He said some of the smaller agencies met at Pittsboro Town Hall and they were all in agreement that we don’t have a problem paying something, but that they cannot submit an invoice after budgets have already been set and approved.  In addition, more information\clarification is needed on what exactly constitutes a “run or incident” and what we are billed for.  We’ve seen two agreements but they are worded differently.  There are different charges and we all have many different questions. 

c.  Police Car – Donnie cancelled the order on the Ford (spoke to two different people); someone even called him back to confirm the cancellation.  Donnie asked if anything else was needed and they said no.  The dealer owner told Donnie later that no one he spoke with was authorized to cancel orders.  Billy asked if we had anything in writing, and Donnie said no.  Harold mentioned he needed clarification on dates and asked for a copy of the order he faxed originally.

d.  Billy mentioned that they are still  having problems with at least two 4-wheel drive trucks on the north end of town speeding on California Street and Ladoga Avenue.

e.  Billy asked if we had to have markings on the new police car and Donnie said that as long as he is in uniform when he makes a stop, etc., he does not have to have identifying marks on his car.  It was decided not to have them put on.

6.  NEW BUSINESS:

a.  State Board of Accounts – conducted an examination this month (for years 2007 & 2008); everything went quickly and efficiently.  There was a payroll problem with checks being written one day earlier than should have been making an overage occur in the salary ordinance and they recommended that money being reimbursed.  Harold Blake said that it does not make sense to reimburse and amend the salary ordinance when it will balance out in 2009.  We were also written up for being in the “red”; however, they know that we have raised rates and are aware of the problem.  Also mentioned was deposit records from 1939, however, nothing can be done for something that occurred in 1939.  Mike S. asked if we were in line with salaries, etc. and she said yes and commended us for having good bookkeeping.  Overall it was a great audit.

b.  A new contract for Doug Clodfelter was presented; same price with no changes except dates. 

c.  175 Committee would like to add a page to the town website and they will pay for this change.  We are averaging about 250-280 hits per month.    Also, ham and bean supper will be November 14 from 5-8 pm at the Community Building.

Town Council Meeting Minutes – page 3

7.  DEPARTMENTS:

1. Harold Blake – Town Attorney 

No Report

1. Water and Street Superintendent – Mark Basham

Mark reported that he and Doug F. will be starting to put in the sewer lines at the park and also working on the falls here in the next few weeks; he hopes to have toilets put in next spring.

      c.  Clerk-Treasurer – Cheryl Russell

            No Report

8.  ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:46 pm.

The next Council meeting will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 6:00 pm.

Attest:

_____________________________________

Cheryl Russell

Clerk-Treasurer