Town Council - Regular Meeting

for ordinance 2026-1 for the additional appropriations. Um Jared's here, I'm here, Daniel's here. Does anybody have any questions or comments about that? It's for the community crossings grant that the town got grant money for.

All right. Um, it's come to our attention that Jared's on the volunteer fire department, so he can't vote on this. So, we have to table it till next time. So, I'll make a motion that we table ordinance 2026-1. Second. Got a motion to second. All in favor say I.

I. All right. Hearing is closed. Car second to that. All right. Then we will open our regular meeting, monthly meeting. So I call that to order now. Jared is here and I am here. So the first thing we need to do is approve the minutes. And I wasn't here last time, so make sure it's okay. I make a motion to approve the minutes for March 10th, 2026. Second. We got a motion, a second to approve the minutes. All in favor say I. I. I.

All right. Let's go ahead and look at the payment of claims. Make a motion to approve the claims. Second, the marshall second of claims. All f say I. All right. Okay. Reports. Steve, what do you got for us?

You know, we had a pump go down and that's why I've been getting some prices and we called the company that we worked on before and I can't get them convinced the price they g is for one pump. It was almost $20,000. In fact, we can't get them convinced any other way. So, I started looking around and I found this company in South Bend and they got pumps now with the impellers on them. the design and spread them wipes and they're like they're at 7,000 a piece which you know sure

every time that happens you know it's five grand or more so I think it'd be well worth it to get that type of it's a new thing they've come out with shred them lights up so we need that like immediately well not immediately they said it probably take two 3 weeks to get them okay I'd like to get two of cuz the other pump we have out there where the one went down, it's 10 years old and that's about the lifespan of them. And so I'd like to get two that way that one need to get changed out and you'll have a spare. Okay. Do we have any information on that? Like a invoice or

u Yeah, I did not expect to grab it either. Truck. So, is the baby wipes to use? Yeah, those ones that say flushable. Yeah, they're not flushable. Well, they are flushable. They are flushable. They're not process. What happens when they hit the pumps? They don't come apart. They're like strings. Okay. Start wrapping on that thing. It burns. That's a new pump station. I don't know. Okay. New work. Okay. But it's it's a suction type. Okay. Okay. They don't have that propeller. Yeah. But the problem to that thing, they do that shredder just in case.

Okay. These old style ones. Now, is that something that we should upgrade later? Well, that's what we're trying to do with this. Yeah. They come out in the pel. Okay. Instead of building up in there, Steve, is that seven grand? Does that include the install or that? That's okay. Do you do the install? Uh, no. I had scout do that last one and change that one out and charge us 1,300 bucks. So, I didn't think that was terrible cuz you got to have a crane to pull them out there. Yeah, just a small one. Cuz they're on rails, right? Just pull them up and slide them back down and hook up power. They're ready to go.

We need to spend about 14 grand on that. Is that right? Yeah. For that, I think we have plenty in Yeah, Karen said, but that was a problem. But I they had another style which is the kind of what we got now and they were right at 5,000 piece. But you know it's the same thing up in this since I've worked here. This is the third time this has happened.

And how long you worked here? That's my 13th year. 13th year. Yeah. Yeah. That first price there. That's the one we got now. That 49. And the other one's that one new style they got out that handles the heavy white. They say they guarantee it. Yeah. I mean, what do you think? I think we should go for the light trigger. I do too. Cuz if not, if it continues to happen, I mean, it's going to be hard to kind of chase on. You see, that's not one of our busier lines, you know. Yeah. Right. And I Well, like I said, since I've worked here, I know we we changed two down the middle cuz we burn them up. That's right there.

Yeah, I think it's better to go ahead and do the upgrade. I make a motion that we get two of those $7,000 posts for Steve. They're not for me. Got a motion to second. All in favor say I. I. I. All right. You got it then? Yeah. Okay. It's always something. Well, like I said, you know, 10 years without the limit on those down, but other than that, this been the law. I'm going to get some weed killer here pretty soon. Weeds are starting to grow.

Other than that, same thing.

Okay. Well, um I think if that's all you got, then we'll move on to our guest James Wells. He's going to talk about the uh strategic plan. Yeah. Good evening everyone. Um for anyone who hasn't met, James Wells, the economic development corporation executive director Carol County. uh tonight. Just want to take a few minutes to go over our strategic plan update which you have a copy of uh here uh for uh 2026 year. Um, and where I'm going to start is I'm going to start by uh at least uh establishing where we're at right now in terms of county and economic development and where we're hoping to um focus on with this plan over the next uh year and then looking beyond that. So currently over the last few months I have certainly heard and have seen that you know Carol County has tremendous progress taking place um throughout the county. We've seen progress in areas such as housing, broadband, child care, business growth and we continue to see the benefit of a strong aggra business uh along with regional investments happening around us. At the same time, there are challenges um still facing the county and certainly um they're not just isolated to Carol County, but uh the challenges are real real. Um among them, we are seeing housing supply remains tight, workforce availability remains a concern, and access to child care and healthcare continues to impact growth. So knowing people will say these are just community issues and not economic development issues, but when you think about it, these are economic development

issues. Uh we want to make sure that there's enough housing uh to go around. We want to make sure that folks are able to uh have the availability to drop their kids off and have them taken care of so that way they they can go to work without worrying about where they going to be able to um provide for their children. So beyond that, where do we want to focus at as an economic development corporation? There are four key areas that we are going to hunker down on with the strategic plan. First, supporting and growing local businesses while attracting the right new opportunities. Uh second, strengthening our workforce pipeline through better alignment between our schools and our employers. Third, investing in quality of place. Uh so we're talking about again housing, child care, healthc care, and amenities that go go into that quality of place. And then fourth, uh focusing on improving collaboration across the county so we can move projects forward more effectively. Um so uh the part that of this plan that will be important is your role um as the council here for town of Burlington and our partnership uh between us uh the EDC and the town. Uh the decisions that are being made here at the local level whether it's housing infrastructure and development processes directly impact the ability uh to compete and grow. Um certainly not with just with the neighboring counties but with the greater region and state at large. Um and from our side we see our role as the EDC as a key partner. Uh which means helping identify those opportunities, supporting projects, connecting resources and working alongside you to align those efforts across the county. Um and we want to make sure that this plan is one that can

cover all of county uh Carol County and leave no one behind. And when we mean everyone, we mean Burlington, Canada, Florida, Deli, and all our rural parts. Um, so I'll just uh close with this that, you know, Carol County is in a strong position uh to continue to grow and continue to have momentum uh in this next phase of growth. It's just going to require more coordination, leadership, and continued partnership. Um, and so with this uh with our strategic plan, we're going to remain committed uh to working alongside you to turn this plan into real results for our communities here. So, I'll take any questions that you may have.

Does anybody have any questions for James?

No, I'd like to give some supplemental information for the board. Yeah, I'm not sure that the board is truly aware of everything that has happened. In particular, talk about the rural tiff we have in Brunson Jonesville. It's it's located southeast part of town and it is a I'll say a I don't know I want to say a fund whatever that's set been set up by the state. It's for cities of 100,000 people or less and it's a way to grow your community. Realistically, you you look at Burlington. I don't know what your vision is. I'd be I'd like to know what your vision is, but realistically, I do not see a major manufacturing factory moving into the Burlington Township, much less in in town here. Burlington is kind of ideally situated. It's 20ome miles from Logan, 20ome miles from Cooko, 20ome miles from Lafayette, 20ome miles from Frankfurt. And our community, they go out and then they come back and people looking for rural type life. You know, I worked in Cooko for many years and so you have this tiff out

here. The re the real real advantage is you can work with the to get funds to update your sewer system. What we were just talking about, you can have you can have that. You can get grants and whatnot. You already got the basic things started. In 2021, we set up that rural tiff. It's been sitting there for 5 years and nothing's been happening. And I'm not sure what your tradition is or what not, but you know, if we get a once we get moving on the rope tiff, it's advantageous for developers because they get a break. the break they get is not detrimental to the town or whatever because you still get the same rate even though the amount of taxes that uh they may give you abatements and whatnot on. So, I want you to just kind of take a look at this. Make sure you understand that real tiff is and I only have one copy of this, but here's what Purdue has to say about the the tips. So, again, what is your vision for the town? How do you want it to grow? Re realistically it's not going to grow north of the wildcat to the east there's not much you know you have flood plane and other stuff to worry about and so southwest is the place you're going to expand and if you really want to look and I I pulled it up

at home the other day and it actually describes all the That's a state website. It defines all the properties that were collected under that. The tiff doesn't mean that people who own the property are willing to sell it right now, but is the initial step to say, "Yeah, I got a housing developer. Yeah, they if they want to sell, they'll probably get good price for their land, but we're going to have to give them services. So, and there's a there's a uh what is it? Uh they're using it over in Florida. You know, Florida just came off of a 20ear suspension for their sewer system. They finally got off there and it's a I'm trying to remember you maybe haven't used to own what what is

James the sewer band no idea financing of it there is a uh for financing is it used to pay or I forget what the buzzwords are right now that you probably can't forget It It's not worth the tiff. It's the funding of funding a project. What is it? A wastewater treatment plant. Um I know there was a loan from a USDA. Yeah. Was it SRF?

It's it's basically they put the money up and you pay as you use it. That's that's kind of way way it goes there. So I just wanted to you know look there part of you know our goal for development and whatnot is you got the first basic step there the tiff next will be oh we need to do an engineering study what would happen with the what needs to be done to the sanitary system to expand out there otherwise it's going to be a myriad of what it'll be wells anyway because we don't have public water. But for the sewer, it's going to be a myriad of septic tank systems, which is less attractive than being on the sewer system. Plus, you get them on there, then you got more revenue. So, I just wanted to kind of enhance there, maybe stimulate your thought pattern on where you want the community to go. I really see the community is going to stay as a bedroom community. Of course, as you get more houses and whatnot, you know, we got the dollar store down there, but to bring in more small business.

Yes. and and that'll help you with you restaurants, food, you know, those type of things to expand your tax base. I appreciate that, Keith, for the presentation you made. Yeah. So, I just wanted to there Yeah. Um, you was talking about the tip that was set aside 5 years ago. Uh, money. How much is that? No, it's money. explan which we for the rural tiff there is like maybe a dozen around the okay

the county you know deli has rural tiffs Florida has rural tiffs we got a rural rural tiff matter of fact I think deli has like three of them now three or four so it is a good financial tool to be in work to look at expansion. Thank you.

And I'll just also add to uh that as well um with a direct impact that affects uh Burlington uh with the re recent changes down at the state house um with House Bill is now called House Enrollment Act 1001 that sort of uh kind of affects zoning and land use at the local levels. Uh the state is now saying by January 1st of 2027 um towns, cities, and counties will have to make a report to the state about what they're doing as far as u expanding housing. Um now that's a requirement, but there's no repercussions or penalties that come afterwards. The state is now moving ahead with trying to focus on how to expand the housing supply across the state. Um so one of the things that will be important uh that the state will now say is that if your area uh doesn't update its land use or zoning within a year of his most recent comprehensive plan, then say if a developer were to come in um file for a permit of construction um whatever that zoning is currently or whatever uh the comprehensive plan says um they will sort of be allowed to sort use that um uh pretense um to justify whatever developments that they can use. Um I remember a few months ago Baker Tilly came here with a tip presentation about the changes um throughout all that. So those uh with the housing tips are coming to ahead about with the changes that come from the state. So uh we will continue to monitor how those are going to impact the communities certainly for here in Burlington and how um best uh the town of Burlington will want to go

um knowing that you know the state is mandating all these requirements now and how we best help you. Okay, appreciate that. Yeah, we're here to help you. Any other questions about that? All right, thanks for coming guys. Um, we'll go on to old business, which this doesn't look like we have any old business. So, new business. Um, let's just go ahead and talk about this golf cart thing first. So, you want to explain what's going on?

Yes. Um, I came in and talked to Karen last October, September about, um, having to use my golf cart now. and um found out then that I couldn't use it because my license is suspended. It I won't ever have a valid driver's license. Um I drove prior to that with my car with what they call a biopic glasses. Um that allows to allow me to see further down the road and to avoid accidents and stuff. So when I went for my annual certification to drive with my glasses, my doctor didn't approve me. And November 10th is when the DMV suspended my license. So I don't have a valid license and can't use my golf cart technically. I did have it certified by the Marshall last week. I paid my $20 $25 fee. got my little sticker. It's not on my cart yet. And I explained to him what my issue is. And he and he just reminded me, I can't drive it. And I said, "Yes, I know that." And um but I did explain everything I just explained to you about not being able to drive and why I can't drive it. And I know I can't drive it. So, the reason you can't drive is because you don't see very well. Is it

right? I'm I'm technically legally blind by federal government standards. Um I have been for a long time. Um but was able to drive with my biopic glasses. I And I can read and how far away can you see? Well, after a certain point, everything's just um bogged down. Just like here, I can see people. If I get too much further, I don't I can't see like really who you are. Yeah. Yeah. Um I mean the golf cart don't go very fast. They do have Justin. Well, my op options are um a wheelchair or four-wheel scooter.

I'm sorry, ma'am. Can Can you just uh pause for just a sec? Justin, are you there? I'm here. Can Can you hear what this ladyy's saying about uh this golf cart issue? I just got bits and pieces. Can you just summarize real quick? Yeah, she she just said that she she certified her golf cart, but she doesn't have a valid driver's license. According to the ordinance, uh it's required to uh to operate a golf cart in the town, uh because she can't see very well. So, um, I mean, what's your what's your commentary or opinion about that as far as you just asking for an exception to the ordinance? That

is that what you're asking for, right?

And and if not, that's okay. There was other options, the scooter or the wheelchair. Well, and so the if I may, the scooter in the wheelchair is actually probably more dangerous than the golf cart to be honest with you because it moves slower. Um, and it is a matter of quality of life. She wants to be able to come over here and pick up her mail. She wants to go down the road and get a pizza or something. It is a quality of life issue. She's wanting to go the extra mile and put lights the big flashing light yellow light on top. Um, she can still wear her but her special glasses. Um but I think the big thing is it is a quality of life. Um she has driven for years. Um but she is very confined to her house without being able to move. Um

my my only concern is that not being able to see it would be very dangerous like driving across that state road to get your food and stuff like that. So um hey what what do you think Justin? Well, uh I guess that ultimately we would need to know. Um I would have to do a little digging on that to see exactly what our ordinance says about it. Um and also I need to see the golf cart be driven on public streets. Is that the idea? Yes. Or across it. It's supposed to cross it. You're not supposed to go on state roads because uh Right. Yeah. But you can go on the town roads with it.

Would you Would you have to cross the state road? She just was right across it was right across the street. Okay. Where the fenced in yard is in front. But so you would need to drive across that road. Yeah. To get my mail. And it's right down really hard. I'm working on trying to get a post box at my house. That's a procedure with the post office and it's taking a while. So who knows what did they feel? Does she feel that she can navigate safely? doing. Um, as far as like could she see uh down the road enough to know whether there's cars coming? Oh, yes. Yes.

Uh, she said something about putting on like extra lights and reflectors or something like that. Flashing light. Yellow flashing light. It's It's got headlights and turn signals and all that that you required, you know, when I moved here. Um, you don't have to decide tonight if you want to look into. I mean, I don't expect an answer tonight. I mean, I've waited a long time to get to this point and if you say no, I'll just sell my golf cart and look for some other options. You know, if you don't mind, then maybe just we could give Justin some time to look at it and then next time we can make a definitive decision about it. That's okay with you. No problem. Okay. Is that okay, Justin?

Yeah. I was going to ask for is just if I could uh I need to check to see if there's any problems with state statutes or any issues there. Um and then we can talk about it pros and cons. So it's it's insured with my homeowners policy for anything that happens. Okay. Not that I want anything to happen. Yeah. Sure. You can make out shapes, can't you? Yes. So you can see shapes. So there's a stop sign, yield sign. You can see the shape of a car coming. You couldn't tell me what make it, but you can see it was a car coming. Yeah. I wouldn't be able to tell you the make or model, but I never do it anyway.

Yeah. Right. But you can see general shapes. Right. Right. So it isn't like she's totally blind. She's just blind. Considered reading script, handwriting, and stuff like that. Yeah. Okay. Well, I I have like my hand machines for reading and an iPad and I got another thing called a Rembrandt at home that enlarges like newspapers and things like that that works with my computer. Yeah. And I just think that to put her on a wheelchair wheelchair going across the state room is a whole lot more dangerous. That's not good. Yeah. Well, we want to help you if we can. So, um,

that's fine. He he'll look at it and then we'll we'll make a decision on it after if that's okay. Thank you. Okay. Um, all right. Our next thing, new business is that resolution, that ordinance 2026. U So, we're going to I'm going to make a motion that we table that too until we're headed back. Second, but we got a motion to second to table that. Um, all in favor say I.

I. And then we've got the payroll allowance. Just need to make a motion to approve the alarm socket. U second. We got a motion second to approve the apparel allowance. I'll favor say I. I. Did Shane not give a It's right there.

You guys sign it. I didn't see it. Smells Whatever.

All right. I think that's all we got. Does anybody have anything else they'd like to say? Random meeting. You want to do the um marshall's report? It should be in there. Yeah. So, uh I make a motion we accept the marshall's report. Second. All in favor say I. Oh yeah. I did talk to the paging company and they said they're looking at June or June of July. Okay. That's good. All right. Well, um I make a motion we adjourn. Second. Motion second. All in favor say I. I. Right.