Town Council - Regular Meeting

I'd like to call to order the town of Newberg Town Council November Monday, November 24th, 2025 to order. Please, let's stand for the pledge of allegiance.

I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right. At this time, we have remembrances and acknowledgements. Does any council member have any names? I just want to acknowledge the Girl Scout troop that placed the little free pantry at the Iran Trail Head this last week and thank them for giving back to the community. Definitely. All right, Nanette, roll call. Steve Shoemaker, District 1,

present. Paul Perry, District 2, present. Stacy Kger, District 3, present. Ann restaurant, District 4, here. Lyanna K. Hughes, council at large. Happy to be here. Nette, excuse me. Nette Angel, clerk treasurer, here. Chris Cook, administrative town manager, here. [clears throat] Andrea Babon, deputy town manager. Here. Christopher Wisher, town attorney. Here. Drew Flame, town engineer, here. All right. You received the minutes electronically and also in your packet. I'd like appro a a motion for to approve the November 12th, 2025 minutes. So move. Do I have a second? Second. All those in favor say I.

All those opposed. Motion carries. All right. Schedule request. Trista. Hi. You're up.

Thanks for having me. Um really I came and had you guys u give a letter of support for the project that we're doing downstairs to upgrade the library and then I didn't check back in. Um at our November board meeting we did go ahead and award the contractor. It's died. I always pronounce it wrong. I apologize. Um so we are going to meet with them and have a schedule and all of that. But there were some questions about what all we're going to be doing. And so Deon, our architect, has this beautiful software that will actually walk you through what the the downstairs should look like when it's all complete. This isn't all finalized. So, um, while carpets and and cabry and all of that is in the construction documents and and is pretty solid, things like furniture or colors of things may be slightly different. Um, I know Andrea had a question. We are um going to have sort of a ceiling feature. Um, and it is not going to be any kind of change to the ceiling. It's just going to be a really cool feature. And he's I think you guys are going to really really be excited. I I am just super super thrilled with what they came up with. So, um, I'll just turn it over to Judson unless you have any questions for me.

I think you're up.

All right. Um, If you look at the screen here, I'm going to start off these, this is a view when you first walk in the set of doors. Um, a lot of the finishes we've selected, for instance, the wall covering is to mimic sites that you would see on the river. Uh, so like the ripples. Um, but also just simplifying the structure, not structure, but the, uh, space and keeping a holistic feel. Um, because it's such a smaller library. Um, both sides are used by adults as well. kids. So, we didn't try to go off the wall with kids stuff um in terms of [cough] other library designs. But when you first come in, you're greeted with new flooring. Uh we're upgrading all the lighting. We're going we're going to be relocating the main circulation desk. One is it's it's going to be a nicer safety issue to where from the circulation desk they can now watch the adult side, the kids side, and see the front doors when people are coming through. You can see over here where the lower stacks or bookshelves are located. That was the reading pit. Uh we're actually going to fill in the reading pit. And the reasoning for that is one uh better safety. We don't have an open pit for kids running around to fall into, but also it creates flexibility for the library.

And the shelving are going to be on so that we can move them if we're going to have programming there.

Yeah. All that lower shelving is on casters. And then the new reading area is going to be more defined with furniture there in the center. We're using furniture that's both kidfriendly and adult friendly. Uh we are also adding in this area a study room. Um it's become very popular in Chandler when we added two study rooms over there. So we're adding a study room here. Now this is the ceiling feature that she's about it's still a suspended uh ceiling. Um but what it does is it brings in the river for this region, a snippet of it and brings it onto the ceiling as well as bringing in uh the river view, some seating area there along the back wall, as well as some cubby storage for him to use. That's kind of the unique feature in this kids area and the reading area. And then coming back to the other side which is uh the current adults coming in with some more lower bookshelves to really make this place feel open. Uh all the ceilings on this side nothing's changing. We're just upgrading lighting to LED. Still maintaining computer areas, seating areas next to the windows. Now the history room, if you've ever been in the history room, uh it's kind of lacking. They use it for conference spaces, archives, as well as uh outside groups to come in and meet. Um, it is currently just a window and a door, but we've opened it up with this glass window system, so it feels more open and inviting. We've they have gone through and narrowed down what they have in their history room, and then we've come in and built storage for everything. So, it has a We now have video conferencing

capabilities, meeting areas. We still have the micro film. We're also giving some more wall opportunities for a lot of the artwork that they have in storage currently that they don't even get to put out. Uh we're maintaining all the original exits. It's just majority is just a large facelift. Uh what you don't see in here is we're also going to upgrade the finishes in the restrooms as well as uh new fixtures, new partitions, uh new lighting in there as well. Same with their uh their staff break room. We're going to replace all the cabinets, finishes, lighting. Um the one thing that we are adding HVAC wise is the history room. Um the way it was designed mechanically is it only gets indirect heating and cooling from the rest of the library, but we're going to put a split unit in it that mounts to the wall and runs a line to a condenser outside and that's going to allow them to control temperature as well as humidity. And that was the big thing is humidity in that space given the historical archives that they carry.

Any questions? It looks wonderful. I I have a couple of questions. Um, I'm Lanna Hughes. I've used the history room for years and involved in two different groups that do set up or meet in there once in a while. We had some storage in the lower cabinetry of the uh east wall and I women's club or the history club? The women's club primarily was what was I was involved in storing in there. Do you know what happened to it or It's still there and I've met with them. Um No, wait a minute. you haven't met with them because I chaired it for 25 years and I don't chair it now, but I'm on the committee. Okay.

I'm like the assistant chair a while ago. Um I you know, let me email you. I signed an um about us maintaining the storage of those of those um it's a bunch of scrapbooks. Um, and I'm just concerned if we get it out of there, I for one need to know where it's going to be. Yeah. I mean, we don't Theou was basically I think I think we gave each other like um 60 days if we're going to need it removed, but the intention was for it to stay there. Good. Good.

Um, and and that should be reflected the the the plan should reflect pretty accurately the space that's needed there. Um, we did clean up of things like gosh well I found a historical maps from Dark County Ohio which just happens to be where I'm from but we don't really need to collect that here right that's available online it's not so and what we had a framed constitution that was just in the corner somewhere huge big frame and a reproduction

um but so we've cleaned out a lot of that stuff that's not new specific and So, we should have plenty of space. I think the women's club and the history club both have some stuff there. I think so, too. Um, and I thought I signed an club and I'll double check that when I get back to my office tomorrow. Okay. Um, and I can let you know. If not, then I can be in touch and we can do that, but there is no intention of of those historical documents that are um part of Okay. History Club's items are in the filing cabinets, right? Yeah. Ours are in the cabinets underneath. Yeah. So maybe maybe I'm with the history and I didn't but but either way that was the

Okay. And we actually have more enclosed storage than what they previously do because we have all the low storage but then now we've added some full height storage on each. Great. That's great. Yeah. Thank you. I feel like I'm wearing an invisibility cloak here at the going through doors and so on. Awesome. What's going to happen to the Newberg artwork that you have, the paintings, the the quilt, the things that are on the wall that are Newberg specific?

I mean, we're definitely keeping those. Um, and we're planning to try to do like [clears throat] sort of a rotating display. Um, and I I will say while the construction is happening, we will have all of the books in a storage unit, but the history collection will be moved to to the boardroom at Bell Road so that it will be protected from, you know, from any damage that could happen. As far as a storage unit, we don't we don't want to put that stuff in a storage.

Well, one of the things that we talked about when the discussion about this building happened and that we would gladly have you in the basement um was to make sure that the artwork stayed in Newberg. So, that's that's important to me. What will happen to the original Carnegie checkout? Oh, yeah. I don't we don't have plans for the desk. Um I mean I assume

so we evaluated the desk and while it is historical to the Carnegie, we're not reusing it in the facility because it's not conducive to anything they're doing now. It's there was no way to reuse it and make it work with the way staff's working, the way technology is working. Um So right now it's it can be salvaged but we don't have a plan to reuse it in the space. Would would you be willing to allow one of the groups or or the town to suggest donating it to the museum? That's what I was thinking.

Either Newberry Museum, War County Museum, they have they have their old checkout desk at Ory County Museum from the Booneville Public Library. So they may not be as interested as Newberg thinks they might be. Newberg doesn't even have a checkout kind of desk. It's like a I don't know, thrown together kind of thing. I don't know. So maybe they could use it. Well, maybe.

Yeah, we can definitely look into that. Like I said, we're um we'll probably wait till after uh Thanksgiving to meet with the contractors and then we'll hammer out a timeline and once I have that information, I'll definitely get that to Chris and Andrea. Um, and we'll we'll definitely we're we're still at the helicopter view and slowly working our way down into those details, but um I I appreciate you bringing that up and and we will um we'll do some research and see what we can do with that. Well, it'd be a shame for it to go to the dumpster. Sure. So you know it has historic significance for I checked out my very first book what like a few years ago [laughter] five or 10 using be nice using

I did using that library uh and probably it was um childhood of famous Americans one of those from that series um the ceiling I noticed in the report that um there was some concern about the weight of this the ceiling piece. So, what's it made out of?

So, when Trista, whenever the there was a couple contractors that came to look at it, some of their concerns was that that cut out with as a drop down would cause too much weight. And so, I said that we'd reach out and talk to you guys and all that stuff. So, I have that was just their that was just their concern. whether they understood the design of it or I don't know but that was that was the two concerns that got brought up to yeah so that contractor called me okay um they're like hey have you really thought about this but first off they run the assumption that entire ceiling is five layers of drywall and I think that's what they

majority of the field is what you see is just a single drywall with um and then we're using the same kind of grid system that you use 2 by two acoustical tiles. Um, but they call it a drywall grid. The only area where it's a little bit thicker is right where the notches is. And we're only talking about this much. So, it's not even five full layers because you've got the cutouts in. Okay. And that was that was just our concern. I mean, because I know the drop down's not going to make it permanent, right? So, that's the only thing. So, I was just worried about that. And then there was one other concern about the sprinkler system that these proposed changes would have to cause for the whole sprinkler system to be replaced. And that I'm not aware of.

I just wanted to have on the record that this these changes aren't going to cost the town anything, are they? No. Any changes made to the space is strictly on the library and any modifications to the sprinkler system is also in our documents. Um, we work with a sprinkler contractor designer and we make sure all that's submitted to the state as well. Okay. And then we could just keep us in the loop on that to make sure that it all jives with the whole building. 100% if there's any addition because we're, you know, with set and enrolled act one, it's kind of a tough three years for us. So, we just want to make sure that we're not having any additional costs that weren't budgeted for for 26.

Yeah. and any electrical or mechanical work as we're that happens above the ceiling. Um, we want to keep you guys informed because if you're not familiar with the way this space works with up here, some of that stuff is sharing mechanical units and sharing electrical panels. So, we want to mitigate any down time for you guys. So, that's definitely going to be on our agenda at the pre-construction meeting with contractors to make sure that they don't cut anything off until we've all vented it first. Perfect. Thank you.

I designed two middle school libraries for the school corporation and I know you know this. This looks really nice and neat here with books on all three shelves of the the lower bookcases which I applaud you for. That's a good thing. But when you get to that third shelf, that bottom shelf, often there isn't enough room to put anything there. I know bookcases are standard size, but you want to make sure you get something that's going to because probably you're going to have to raise or lower some of the shelving anyway. But for that bottom shelf, just make sure it's usable because you could get into a situation where it isn't and then you have a whole lot less space. We did we did um so we used it from Chicago was a while

yeah I don't remember off the top of my head but it's the same shelving that we used at Chandler and it worked very well yeah but if you if you go to Chandler especially downstairs they have very similar shelving on casters um and and we're using the same company so it should um that's all I deal his bookshelf. Well, I don't want to get too much into your business, but that's just something that I learned.

No, that bottom shelf is always kind of a one. It's not great. You have to bend down to get the book either. Um, but really, I think for this space, the lower shelving for safety, for the staff to be able to see, especially because it is such a small staff, is is really um for me that was the You'll be glad. I'm so I'm so excited. Like I just look I mean in that the little tongue bow. I just It's in that is storage. You can lift it up and put Do you know how you know how librarians feel about storage? I mean it's just so cute. Okay.

It is cute. No, you're fine. Any other questions? Thank you. We're excited. Good. Good. Good. And if you have any questions, if you guys have any concerns, just email me. All right. All right. Thank you. Ashley.

Hi. Sorry about that.

So I believe you have the parking [cough] in front of you. It is a basic overview of the final study that Nelson Nightard did and the study was commissioned to help the town of and how well the current parking system supports residents, businesses as well as visitors. So here the focus you'll see is optimizing what the town already has improving all user experience. So this is kind of just on the project goals page if you see that. Do Chris or Andrea do they have in front of them do they have the full study or do they have

they just have they've been emailed the full study but they just have what you the poweroint. Okay. So yeah so we can the project goals first. I pull up mine so I know what so the focus again is optimizing what the town already has and being able to improve the user experience and also planning for future you know needs and accessibility accessibility is an important issue. Um so Nelson Nygard also wanted to look at you know parking alignment across what other within our region to make sure that we're kind of um doing the regional regal work that we would not be doing. So just kind of like checking that out. So they looked at those plans as well. So on to kind of the next slide you'll see the study area. So the study area here the main focus was on the historic downtown core. So that insuffer the river trail. So the area that we looked at around the historic downtown does high concentration [cough] activity as we all know. So getting the parking right and you know figuring that out is really crucial. So it does include a mix of public and private lots as well as on street parking. So for the next key findings um slide on the next page one of the main takeaways I believe for than the town and the study that it has significantly more off street parking spaces than on street and that's 843 specific off streetet parking compared to I believe 63 on street spaces. So with that the study revealed that the access there isn't always clear. So some private lots people residents feel or visitors feel open to park there while others do not. It's not as clear. So

that can create some confusion of whether I park here or not. So most of the on street parking is concentrated between main street and the riverfront um making that area during high peak times maybe feel a little bit tighter than it normally normally does. So with this study on the next slide you'll uh the recommended strategies. So there's seven overall recommended strategies that they um recommended to help with parking and also you'll see kind of more of an action plan on the few slides around there. And it also gives within those seven key strategies, you'll also see more of a time frame and the financial commitment whether it's you know a lower financial commitment or higher. But some of the strate that they recommended as well as you know action to do uh is experience and communication. Really a big improvement is being able to have clear parking map whether that is um a printed map or an online digital map of where to park to really help people know where the available spaces are and even available times. Um you'll see in some of the other recommended strategies that maybe it's a shared parking strategy with some of the private lots being able Signage is also important. So having consistency with signage. They even mention um kind of the uh the P the blue P sign for parking. Just having that as that's you know a notation of being able to park here and at what time. Also parking supply and operation is really big. um can improve by possibly expanding on the on street parking supply by simply through u different way finding measures or striping or notifying that you can park here a little bit clearer throughout different times of the day. Shared parking agreements again I think I mentioned that before with private property owners

and being able to help make underutilized lots available and accessible when you can park. Also supporting downtown growth and to maintain of course the historic character that we have here um within historic downtown Newberg but also improving accessibility for all the users and you know whether that's vehicular traffic pedestrian or even cyclist with that also encouraging alternative such as biking and especially with the connection with Rivertown Trail making sure that you know that could free up additional parking spaces during heavy [clears throat] and all future development should really make sure that the assessment of the needs of those new development needs are met up front. So that brings us to planning for the future. Nelson study also recommends evaluating the parking impacts on new projects and considering like impact fees, different tools such as impact fees, districtwide mobility, uh even expanding public parking access after 5:00 p.m. to really provide that relief during heavier times. Um and then with that that brings us then to the final or the next steps of being able to really at the action plan and look at which strategies really fit for downtown and how we can implement those in responsible and effective and efficient manner to be able to address what conversations with stakeholders with the town and also community members. Any questions? It's all on the website too.

Yes, it's all on the website actually two places on the news and the in the document section. It's also there under the study for the public and we'll also put these slides later. Could you explain a little bit more about the um sixth strategy which is which in part is um impact fees charging impact fees.

So yeah, they mentioned kind of more of a strategy around like whether that is um to plan for event parking or even like valet options just being able on that one to use for higher peak times, whether that's restaurant parking or other parking, just being able to capitalize on that. And that also can um help people who, you know, possibly walk further distances when they're parking. But I think that that is just another option that you have to make sure that we're utilizing all the spaces. And I think another um was just being able talk to the private property owners of having kind of that shared agreement on certain you know maybe evening times where around the restaurant or other areas but then having it available if it is a private parking lot the signage or you know whether it's the map or the

Thank you. Another question. [clears throat] The 843 off street park sparking parking spaces that does include Newberg Elementary. Yes, you'll see it's I see on the key findings map there are lots of little dots with Newberg Elementary.

It took all of There's 36 different locations according to the big study. Yeah. Jennings wire and state street as well as some areas near the trail. Thank you. Do we have any other questions? What What are we going to do tonight? Because I want time to think about We're not doing anything. Okay. Okay. We need to digest all this. Yeah. Yeah. I think being able to look at it further and again like happy to help.

And I think a lot of it Yeah. Chris and I, we've looked at it. I mean, there's things like the mapping, the signage, and kind of things that we knew ahead of time that we thought were going to come out of this study. Um, just one of those things that moving forward, okay, what's that going to cost? What's that going to look like? and

mapping and the signage we can work on that online for minimal cost and we'll start working on that stuff immediately. But the bigger picture stuff we would probably bring up at one of the future visioning sessions that the council would have um to give you time to to dig into it and look at it. But as far as coming up with some better mapping and some information that we would put out there as far as an education standpoint too, we would work to uh come up with a better image um to show where all the public spots are and start the education process immediately. Okay. Does anybody remember how many spaces West Jennings parking lot opened up when we

took the fence down? Yeah, I was going [snorts] to say around 12 to 15, I thought. 15 to 17, I think. Okay, thank you. And they restriped that recently. I saw that. Looks good. And added bumpers as well. We should have the dusted on up soon. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Ashley. Thank you. All right. Comments by citizens. Byron, you're up. Good evening. Please excuse my hand. I like to bounce off my glasses. I need to shave.

Okay. Um name and address, please.

Oh, sure. Sherman, 7823 Owens Drive, New Indiana. I do not live in town any longer. I used to. I lived here for 30 years. Now I live outside the town. Uh while we lived in town, my wife and I, Sher Sherman, uh pushed for and obtained a veterans monument on the north side of town. And it was controversial at the time it was put up, but it was to be held the veterans and the veterans only. And it was to not have any external picnic [clears throat] tables or uh military hardware or anything that designated anything other than the veterans and we have over the years been very good about doing that. The town has and I I have now noticed that for the past three four years there is this light display out there that represents a Christian Christmas tree. I'd like to remind everyone that veterans are not only Christians, they are Islam, they are uh Jewish, they are Hindu, they are every possible religion you could think of, including atheists and and non-theist. But this particular location has now been hijacked by the Christian sect by putting up this Christmas tree and In the process, they have taken down the flag that all veterans have sworn to protect and honor and defend with their lives if necessary. That flag is gone from their monument.

It is with great um I'm I'm sorry that I have to stand here and ask this, but I I sincerely request that we remove those lights and that fake Christmas tree and put our flag back up where it belongs. Thank you. Okay, council, do you have any questions? I think Brian is exactly right. I agree. Okay.

So, do we what do do we Chris take a vote? Do we I guess I've never really considered a a Christmas tree a Christian symbol. I Christ religion out of I think it's a well

what B said about the veterans monument having been here when that was going on and importance of it maybe having swapping out the flag for the tree maybe even out of it look at it whe it's up to the council how you all is it the same lights that used to be down here I I think smaller version and it was at I I don't know the year but at some point it was taken to parks parks approved taken to council council approved so it's kind it but it's been at least two or three years that all I think it's longer than that

maybe talking about it a couple last year and there were complaints I don't know I mean I don't disagree with my standpoint just for the monument and that this may bother some people but that's not legal question. Since we talked about this last year was specific permission given to do it again this year for that particular site. No, I think it just all came down from the the year they asked for it. However,

so it just goes up. It just goes up. It's just part of their, you know, they got up, they put these lights up. It's just now part of the folks that we have that do all the lights. Yeah. So, who asked for it? Do we know? [clears throat] Yeah, it was fivestar. Who do Fivear does? Oh, they just, you know, I know that, but I But I don't think there was any communication about, hey, we're going to do the So, it may be a miscommunication because I think last year or the year before we talked about not doing it there again and so it's up. But so I think I mean if the council wants to we can pass on to we can have it taken down and do something different.

And the reason um it got moved from here was due to the wind river. We were replacing lights constantly throughout the Christmas season. It was an expense. So that's where that suggestion came. So we could look at it in a different location or just take it out completely this year. Whatever you guys decide to do. My my thoughts were would be to take it [clears throat] down totally this year and if we want to revisit it somewhere else, let's [clears throat] think about it throughout the year and be ready for next year, but I think this year it just needs to stop. I would love to have it back here. Well, I would too, but I I agree that it was a

But if you're taking a flag down there, how I mean, I struggle with the you know, you're taking a flag down here and is the same principle. Yeah, but that's a veterans monument. This is not Well, a flag is a flag whether it's on a veterans monument, you know, or flag. Don't we have a a flag on the riverfront down at the [cough and laughter] little plaza area? I'm saying I wouldn't use any flag pole if we're going to set this precedent. Well, I don't agree with that. That's a veteran worry about, you know, the religious side of it. Where do you stop? Because I mean we're celebrating Christmas as I'm not concerned about that.

Okay. I just wanted to make sure because I'm not concerned about that. I just think I'm just talking about the veterans monument and okay and what I know what what everyone went through when that was created and the as Byron said the controversy that was created and every time you know that that you hear from the veterans when they're not happy about something and I would say that if Byron's here it's because other people have said something too. I'm sure they have. Okay. Well, can I make a motion? Yes. I would move that we remove the tree, the Christmas tree, if that's what you want to call it. Um that we ask FiveStar to remove it.

That we ask FiveStar to remove the Christmas tree from there and bring the flag back in its place for this year. And well, I would say from now on. Yes, but I I just meant [clears throat] we need to do it this year, not wait till next year. I agree. Okay. Okay. Do I have a second? Second. All right. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed? Motion carries. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Julie [laughter] Nicholson. Yes.

Yes. Sorry. Julie Nicholson, 400 West Main Street. Um, I am here. I put some notes together. Um, to ask you guys to respectfully consider the property at 111 Plum Street. Um, I know that you guys had some concerns about the property's condition and I am committed [cough] to making the necessary improvements to it. Um, our personal situation is my has been critically ill [clears throat] the last year and um he requires full-time care and so things have kind of uh gotten away from us. Um me in particular because I have now a lot of responsibilities that I've never had in the [cough] past. [laughter] And so um I'm doing my very best to pull all that together. Um but as you might imagine, we've almost lost Steve several times this year. And so that's been my priority, but um I we we're trying to put a roof on it and trying to to fix it because it's the uh contractor assures me that it is structurally sound. [cough and clears throat] It's a structurally sound building, but it does have it does it does have issues. And so we were going to put a rope on it, but then they they stopped that on Friday. Um and so, you know, I'm I'm committed to you guys want as far as a trying to get a timeline together to finish the building? I mean, it's a commercial building. It's going to be a benefit to the neighborhood and to the town, frankly.

What kind of commercial What kind of business are you I don't want to do anything with it. I want to I want to get it ready and I want to sell it. I don't if I can sell every piece of property I have in move, I would do it. But we're not really in the position to do that at this point. But we don't I don't I just want to get it ready. I mean, we've had we've had many people um have that have interest in the property because I mean, it's it's a prime piece of property right there on the highway. And so, um I would just like to get it ready so that we can sell it and somebody else can decide what kind of What about selling it as is?

Yes, I could. But um I mean at this I mean I'm not opposed to doing that. Um at this point I kind of want to stop the raise order and and do whatever it takes to to save the property. Yeah. Chris, could you tell us where we are right now? Yeah. So I mean this has been going on for I mean as far as notices and mailings

spring well over a year since we've since we've corresponded with you all about this building and other things. Um but a raise order was issued. I don't have the date in front of me, but July. Um at that time they were given notice. Um I know that Kelly at the time I think talked with Mrs. Nicholson about you know needing to have before that raise order was entered is there's an automatic hearing. So it went to BCA um a plan in place. And by plan I mean an actual plan backed by a contractor with a timeline of what's going to happen and and that we never got that um that's been asked for since then or suggested that you know we couldn't stop we couldn't even look at anything and without a plan so that was in June uh and then the you the raise order was official and it was um took bids the open bids in the last month the 12our um just last meeting

our last meeting about the for the raise. So we have a contractor ready to go and it's in a date in early in December for the raise. Um and uh of course here it is again right at the end after all that's been done. There were contractors on the roof but no permit. There's no plan. We still don't you know what this building I mean it's it's in I understand I understand and I'm just stating the facts.

Sure. And it's been uh I mean it's by the inspection, by everyone that's looked at it, everyone around it, all we hear is the condition it's in and it needs to come down and it's a danger and putting a roof on it. Is it going to change that? I think it's it's not a house, right? It's some other I mean it is not a house. It's it's not a standalone by standalone structure. It's not without it's an accessory structure with no primary structure. You know, it was a house burn. Um but you know the raise order is in place. Um and the by all accounts the building needs to come down

and I that's that's the facts. So by by taking no action the raise order stays in effect. Yeah. I'm not even I mean I I'd have to look and see what because the raise order was issued by your zone your building commissioner zoning administrator and it was affirmed by the board of zoning appeals. They are the hearing authority. So, I suppose the council could retract it or wave or allow something else to happen, but um you know, it's pretty well in place at this point. Do you have you had an estimate from a contractor on what it would take to bring that up?

We Well, I have different different estimates, but yes. Yes. I I've had people out there and again, I mean, I I apologize. I take full responsibility, but my husband has been in the hospital this entire year. I mean, he has I mean, as I said, we've almost lost him numerous times. And so, that has really been my focus, but we do have him home now. And I mean, I am committed to doing this. I mean, before I really wasn't as involved because this is one of those things that I said that, you know, I didn't really handle, but but I am now. And and I I assure you that I will have it done. I mean, I can try to give you a time frame. I mean, I I'm will I got the funds that I've set aside that, you know, that are key for that. Um, I want to do what it takes to save it. And I I just want to say that this same I mean I'm not I don't want to I'm not being confrontational about this other than to say that this is what was said before the raise order was issued and then after the raise order is was issued. I think I sent an email and there wasn't a response.

I did respond and this last week I think is when I got the response but I sent an email because two months ago okay asking for a plan with no response. So, I I think we've been down this road before and I don't know what's going to change, what's going to come of it, and what's going to I I don't mean to cut you off, but it's okay. But, I mean, I there are materials on on site. We we've got the contractor out there. Um, and I'll try to give you a I mean, a timeline that I that I can work with.

What's next after the roof? Because I think there are more structural problems with that building than just the roof. I I'm I'm willing I'm willing to do whatever it takes to to do it. I mean, I'm not I'm not just saying that I I'll put a roof on it and be done with it. I'm not I'm not saying that at all. I have a list that I'd be more than happy to to share with you. Um of things that that that we'll that we'll tackle and that we that we'll work on. And as I said, the long-term goal here is to get the building to to where you know you guys want it to be and to sell it. I just want to sell the entire piece of property.

I guess what I'm concerned with is what even type of business would be there. Who would be your buyer on a business that a place that's already

the structure? Well, a good example would be the tinstor that have asked, you know, concern. We have a large building contractor in town that I called him about potentially building a home and he's like, Julie, that building, please promise me you won't sell it until you call me first. So, I mean, there are a lot of people. I mean, my husband, he's at not anymore, but when he was out cutting grass, you're constantly I mean, please. It's a prime piece of of real estate. It's like right on the main road. So, there are a lot of businesses that would be um another funeral home, [cough] competition to titer. Um we we lost a baby in the fire and when I went to the funeral home to make the arrangements, um the funeral director brought the building. I And so there are there are a lot of people

I I guess what I'm I'm struggling with is that building has been in such bad shape. Not just this past year that your husband has been sick. It has been in bad shape for years. There are so many animals running in and out of it now. How do you know that? Because I've seen the cats and I've seen the birds flying through the the windows that are have been not there for a long time in the eaves. Do you even know how many birds are living in that place? Well, I don't I mean to be honest with you, I I don't but I don't think that. But anyway, anyway, I'd like to comment. This is not going to be a very kind thing. I'm going to sound hard.

Sure.

But how many buildings have we been have we lost or almost lost because of you guys? historic homes that were gorgeous, that could have been saved, that we begged you, begged you to let us step in and do something. That was an absolute sin to lose that building down on Gray and State Street. Just horrible. This is your history of doing these things over and over and over. And you always come in and plead at the very last minute, right before the wrecking ball is here, that you're going to take care of it. There's always a reason you've never taken care of any of it. I know back almost 30 years ago a friend of mine wanted to buy the property down there.

What property? He's not here now. He lives in California. No, but state gray. What property? Harmony. State gray. Okay. Which property? Yeah. Okay. You said you were not interested in selling. Now all of a sudden you're going to start selling off. See, I I have a real problem with this. Can we can we agree to give me a timeline? We did. We have and let for years timeline. Let me work on your husband wasn't sick when we lost state and gray. No, he wasn't. And that was a historic structure. He was not. He was not. That's true.

I think there's another issue here and Chris touched on it. I think I I would be reluctant to usurp the power the authority that's already been voted on in this by the BZA. So I think that's a significant issue as well.

Do we need a vote? Would Let me ask you this. Could I have to the end of the year 30 days? Not for my vote. You can't see what we can accomplish. And if we can't, I I'll let it go quietly. I won't say I won't say another thing. Do you realize we've already spent money trying to get this handled and now we're going to just throw that in the wind? What we've been asking for for at least a year is some plan for dealing. What about the cars? the the the dilapidated cars that are sitting in the on that on that ground

um that have been there that we haven't addressed yet. We've been focused on the structure, but about dealing with that structure and um we've asked for not just time, you know, for you to do things, but now then we were at a point where we just we just needed a plan. What is that plan? What is it's not just the roof? There's a whole lot more. I understand that's going that would need to go into that. I understand. And then the follow through on the plan. And that's where I think even if we had a plan, I'm not sure that there's confidence that there'd be followrough on the plan. That's why I would I would

from a legal matter that's I mean that's what the board you know the raise order was issued because basically a lack of response and then after the raise order was issued we heard from you and then now I understand the situation but then you know and Riley and I talked with your husband on the phone not too long ago explained the same thing to him um that you know and that was before I think the bids were open um so I don't know how many times we go through that, right? And over the course of 25, 30 years, it's been the same thing. I agree. And he wasn't sick then.

He wasn't. And I'm I'm I'm not saying that he was. It's been in the last a little over a year that he's that he's been ill. Um Julie, I think it's almost and I hate to say this, but I think it's almost too little too late. I I understand your position. All I'm asking for is if you could give me 30 days to see what I I can accomplish. And if I can't, then then I then I haven't followed through on what I've said that I'll do. But then if you I'm sorry. Giving you 30 days to get something accomplished to repair that building and then you don't come that's money wasted for you. I I can't.

Well, it's already money wasted for us. We've not wanted I mean I don't think that with the raise order there won't be any building permits issued. There's not a scenario of just see what can get done. There is either we take it down or there's a plan in place that shows backed by a contractor and that it can be saved and here's what it's going to cost and this is what we're willing to do and that's what we've asked for just to consider it. Right? I'm not saying even to agree with it. Not just let's just wait and see what little steps can be made. put a roof on it. Then what? Again, what's next? I mean, like you said, there's animals in and out. It's zoning compliance as a secondary structure. It would have to have an additional structure.

It is not. And and then there's the inside the condition on what you can see, but there's there's personal property in there that's been in there that's probably damaged from the weather and everything. And we don't know what's going to what to make of that. But I don't know. It's it's a frustrating situation. And I I understand this that you know the the situations [clears throat] and everything, but I I you know I on a practical note I waited five months with a Newberg contractor to get a roof put on this year. So you know saying unless you have somebody lined up saying I'm going to get roof put on it could take a long time.

I would make a motion to reinforce the raise order. All right. Is that okay? That's it. Do I have a second? I'll second. May I ask, can I have some time to get You've had time. Not according to my motion. You've had time. You've had so much time over 20 25 years of time to take care of some of your buildings and yet you won't let anybody else do it. No. Can I put it on the market and sell it? Can Can I have a week to call people cuz I'm Nobody's going to want to buy that in that shape.

Well, they've seen it in that shape. It's probably more the property as much as anything then. Let's take the building down. I I second the motion, Steve. All right. Any other discussion? I would just want for the record and for those that weren't at the hearing when we had the BZA hearing, Miss Nicholson may have been meeting with a contractor, you weren't able to come or you could didn't come to the hearing, but there were multiple property owners there that came and spoke um about the building and wanted it taken down. So, in the neighborhood. Okay. Any other discussion?

And do you have something? If if you were to sell it if she were to sell it in the [clears throat] meantime, would this also um mean that the the new buyer would have no t, you know, very little time to take it down? Uh yeah. And there's a this the law, the unsafe building law, which is what was used to do the raise order, which is what we use adopted by the town, has requirements in it. If you sell a piece of property, there have to be notices and disclose that there are existing raise orders so that the buyer understands before they acquire it, but they take subject to the raise order. Okay. Thank you.

And as a realtor, it's clearly explained in every real estate document that you have to um disclose if your building has any government type. Uh I would never do that. I mean, I would make sure that anybody that I that I talk to concerning purchasing, I mean, you guys obviously don't think so, but I mean, we're honest, decent citizens. I mean, [snorts] I I mean, I Oh, you're not supposed to do things like that. Do what? I wouldn't be make those noises and that was very rude. Well, I thank you. What you've done to our town is very rude. I I thank you.

Thank you, Julie. All right, we have a motion on the table. It's been seconded. restate the motion. Steve, will you give me a date? My my motion will We will right. We'll get We'll send you the We'll make sure you have the date. They're supposed to start the week of the eth. They didn't give the date. Yeah. The week of the eth. The eth at the earliest, but it'll be sometime either the 8th or that week. All right. State your motion again, Steve. My motion was to reinforce the raise ordinance. It's already been given by ordered by board of zoning appeals.

I may Yes, that's what I understood. All those in Did you want to Okay. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed raise order stands. Can I have the address again?

Is that 11121? All right, we'll go on to new business. Civil Town Nanette resolution 2025-13. Yes, this is the year-end um additional appropriation request. Um so everybody knows that appropriation is permission to spend the tax dollars and the um income that we receive from various different places. Uh this is just to we won't spend all this money but this is just mainly to protect us from anything major happening and me running out of money to be able to spend. So there are multiple funds included in this and I have provided a detailed explanation for each one of them to the council.

All right I need a motion for the reading of resolution 2025-13. So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed. Chris, [cough] I'm sorry. Uh, resolution 2025-13, additional appropriation resolution. All right. I I need a motion for the acceptance of the reading and adoption of resolution 2025-13. So moved. Do I have a second? Second.

Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed? Motion carries. Review of street cut application for West Brier Circle [clears throat] Bill Road. Here comes We Your [snorts] took the Belro one off. Okay. All right. So, it's just going to be a Wester.

We have a cutification for Westire Circle. They have to apply because they will be closing in traffic. They will also be on the ground. So, it's going to be two vaults on either side of Westire Circle and then just boring table at a minimum depth of 30 in. Only one lane is going to be closed for this work. Um, I asked about a time and date. The best they could do was anytime within the next two months from 8 to 5. They will be giving notice to residents and they to they did provide a bond in the sum of $1,300 just in case or fix.

Did they know how long it was going to take? It should only take about a day or two. Oh, okay. All right. It will not be long. Okay. Do we have any questions? Is it 36 in or 48? They're going to do it. It's 30 in. I got sent. They revised the application twice. So, it's just going to be 30. 30. Okay. Okay. I need a motion for the approval of the street cut application at 487 West Brier Circle. So, move. Second. Thank you. Any discussion? All those in favor say I.

I. All those opposed. Motion carries. Thank you, Riley. All right. PC Quest IT managed service contract. That's you, Cook. Okay. I just wanted to make sure. Yeah. Basically, we've got a three-year agreement for uh PC Quest um to manage our services. We've got a need to get up on our safety. Um this meets all those needs as well as refreshes some of the equipment that's needed and it would lock us into a price for three years. and legal reviewed it and the uh civil town folks did as well and we recommend your approval.

How much has it gone up over uh the last contract? Before it was just an hourly rate hourly. Okay. And then we had like a monthly maintenance fee and so this is more they did a really nice job doing better job of providing a contract that we all worked on together. Okay. And it's been approved by legal. Yep. Okay. I need a motion for the approval of the PC Quest IT managed service contract. So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion?

All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed. Motion carries. Um now item seven is the same thing except this is the contract that covers the police um portion of our town services and would would lock in those prices for three years along with the dedicated service and refresh. All right. I need a motion for the approval of the PC Quest for the so move. Second. Do I have a second? Second. All right. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed. All right. Lou Dennis Community Park.

Um in front of you guys is the Ludenis Community Park Midstate Recreations quote. Um as many of you know, we um received a um pre-commitment. Um basically that means we got the million dollars. Um and Ready had already put or not ready had put out a notification that that million dollars um for that playground came through. Um, so this is the new updated quote um that goes through I believe December 10th. Um, and it puts the total project at $1,999,5711. Um, so we're asking for your approval of this quote. Um, I think Nette also printed out the email or in one of these she printed out the email where I kind of laid out how it's getting how the money is coming, where it's coming from. So between um ready the town um park pals the bond um we're able to pay for um all of this. So this is just the quote um and this basically locks in that price and then um gets us moving towards then like a contractor's actual agreement. Um and so this is just that quote for that price to move us to that next step. So we're buying the materials to the contractors installing them.

So Midstate is doing everything. Okay. Got it. So from from the drainage work um to excavation to dumpsters all that all within this this quote from Midstates. Okay. I asked the same question. Yeah. And this includes the playground and the obstacle course. Includes both of those in there. So what are we committing to? So this you're committing to this quote. Okay. So So we would be approving this expenditure this expenditure

knowing so I I'm going to be pretty direct about this because I have some knowledge about ready knowing that that ready is earmarked for us but that we don't have it yet. So according to So I emailed Denise at Ref this exact same question because I was like I don't know if I can't put this burden on us, right? And she says that it's confirmed the money's ours and that we You have that in writing. I have that in writing from her. I printed off. We don't ever get It's not like they give us a million dollars. We have to send them up the invoices and they they Is it first money? Sorry. Is it first? Is it early money in? Will we get it before we're out?

So money or will we get reimbursed or? So they asked us for a cash flow on how we wanted to distribute it. So the way in order to make it all work out, right? I had to show the ready funding, our funding, and park pals funding. And essentially ready is paying for the majority of the playground equipment, the turf, and I think some of the fencing. So it's everything at the very end um that they'd pay up. And so I said they'll be getting paid out in the second or third quarter of 2026. Okay. Will we get they pay that directly or do we I think they pay it directly. I believe so. It's not like we're getting a check for a million and this is the first time we've done this this way. Sure.

So [clears throat] it's going to be a lot of tracking on our part, but it's agree. It's money and we can, you know, we have, like I said, this, we have to have this in up to December 15th. Something that you guys can, you know, we have one more council meeting, I think, before this. I was on the 10th, I think. Um, I was trying to pull up. I printed off the email. I left it on my desk. Um, but she she sent it to me in writing that it's confirmed that the funding is ours. And you could invoice her starting when? I can ask her that. that I don't know

right because my concern is that we're going to agree to this and then in April we still won't have a green light and are we still going to get the same price and how is that I mean what are the what there's going to be guarantees on both sides right we guarantee but they're not going to give us this price in perpetuity so so the price goes up 15th if we don't tell them that yeah but what what happens to the price if we don't start the project till July you mean like from midstates they're saying that it's locked in. Okay. Locked in. So, you'll agree to the quote. We work on the contract, maybe build some language in there about I'm just contingency or something, but I'm just once kind of language if we don't get the

Yeah, but I'm just I'm thinking through like timing wise we get started, you know, when I know we've had assurance from ready, but we get started. We're getting product whatever. At what point do we get that money? Do we know we know they're saying we get it, but timing wise, what if it what if it doesn't falls through? What? But I don't know that it will. But I'm just I understand the concern. Yeah. I mean, I I just have I just have some personal experience that uh uh jade jads my view of the timing of the money. I have no doubt we'll get the money. Okay. But the timing I think is far from clear, right?

So just that's my only concern. So, I just want to protect I just want to protect us in this transition. So, if we're I mean, if we if we know we're going to get the money, then we're not concerned about being left holding the bag entirely, but we could be in a situation where we're obligated. How much are we can we afford to pay it all up front? Yeah. Or is Midstate's understanding that it's built into the contract that the ready money they'll get when we get right. Yeah. I [clears throat] don't know. But that's that's uh something we can work through maybe.

Yeah. I mean, I said if you guys want I'm I'm I with anyone to get this in front of you guys just because there is that December 15th deadline to where then this quote will go up more. Um but like I said we still then have a whole other council meeting where if you want I can take any actual questions you have. We can approve the quote. Just approve the quote. Just follow up on the more information as far as timing and everything before. Well, do we want to approve the quote ba uh based on the answers to her questions? It's up to you. I mean, I think you want this price. I don't think you want to let this

No, we don't. We don't want to let this price go. And I think we just want to make sure we get our idea of the timing so that we can deal with it with midstates. So, yes. If you guys want lock ourselves in before to a timing schedule before we know what we're going to be able to do. Could Could we table until the next council meeting and you get us those answers?

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, whatever whatever makes you guys feel more comfortable. I know Nette talked to Chris and I today. I mean, it you know, [clears throat] I guess I didn't think about the fact of if they did say it is ours, what does that still mean? And when is that? Because right now Midstate is saying if we say yes to them by December 15th, this is going to be completely installed by what do I what did I tell you? June. June or Jul. No, not tomorrow. I think it's June or July. Um of so you just need to know if that happens when do we get when is ready be

writing the check so that we can time to not be holding a million dollar you So, I base my cash flow stuff that I sent to repres based on the timeline that Midstate sent me, but I don't know if that means I still get, you know, I'm saying, "Yeah, you guys are going to have to pay us out second quarter." You think that, but does that mean it actually is going to get paid out second quarter? Yeah. You can wait. I mean, I don't know if it changes if you want. This is the quote you want, but we have to work out the timing issue. I would like to make a motion to table this until [clears throat] the next council meeting. um and have Andrea answer these questions with REApp and with Midstates. Do I have a second?

I would second that. Do we have any other discussion or any questions that you would like to ask Andrea to get answers to? I think you know what we need to know, Andrea? Yep. Okay. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed? Motion carries. Okay. The next one is just that financial commitment letter. Um, and it's just revising the numbers. I don't know if you still want to if you This isn't a quote or anything. If you guys still want to approve this and have me send this back over to REP, this just increased that dollar amount due to that quote increasing. Um, but it was just a basically a financial backing saying that we can back this amount of of money.

I I think that's fine. Okay. Um, so that's the additional 44,000, right? With that additional 44,000 in there. Yeah. And like I said, that's them quoting out the benches and the umbrellas. And I'm fingers crossing kind of hoping that some of the deals we got in the past with those things come through again. So, um, yeah, but if not, then yes, that 44 will be additional, but I'm really hoping that that those are the places that I know we can maybe pull and save some money is those benches and the and the and the trade structures. I have no problems with um asking for a motion for the approval of the ready 2.0 financial commitment letter

or revised letter. The revised letter, right? Yeah. Are you making that motion or are you asking for a motion? I'm asking for a motion. I I so moved. Okay. Do I have a second? Second. All right. Any other discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed. All right. Thank you guys. Thank you. All right. Going on to PCIT for the utility. It's the same thing as we had earlier with the civil town and the police. It's a three-year agreement to lock in the pricing for the utility. Um, it was approved by legal just like the other two.

All right. I need a motion for the approval of the PC Quest for the utility department. So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed. All right. Drew the flow EQ project bid.

Yes. So this is the authorization to request for the tree clearing element only. Um this allows us to quote out that work in advance of the actual general contract of the the larger project. Uh this is due to the timing of the bond and the actual notice of award notice to proceed. uh due to the uh Indiana bat and northern longeared bat. Um they're endangered, they're predally protected endangered species. Uh so there's a restriction from April 1st to September 30th. So we will be quoting out the tree removal immediately uh with this authorization to allow that tree clearing work to be done before the April 1st deadline.

Okay. I need a motion for the approval of the bid authorization request for the tree clearing. So move. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion?

All those in favor say I. I over there. All those opposed. Motion carries. I P place sanitary sewer relocation project. Drew.

Yep. So, this project entails relocating a sewer main underneath two residential homes in P Place subdivision. Um, engineer and legal review the nine bids received from the November 4th bid opening. All bid packages met the uh bid requirements. Cobra Steam Contracting was found to be the low responsive responsible bidder in the amount of $449,558. This is well below the engineer's estimate of $617,245. So engineer recommends town accept the engineer's bid recommendation. And if you want to do it in a a single swoop here with the notice of award, uh the utility has adequate funds intending to utilize the sewer operating funds and or the 2025 sewer bond. Um, so engineer recommends the uh accepting the the bid recommendation and giving formal notice of award to Cobberstein Contracting in the amount of $449,558.

All right. I need a motion for the approval of the engineers bid recommendation and notice of award to coing contracting. So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All right. I don't believe we have any unfinished business. Staff reports. Chris, you have my report in front of you. Some highlights. Uh on item three on the miscellaneous now that the speed table was up.

We are going to be reviewing the ordinance again on the weight limit. The chief and I are working trying to get some signage from INDOT. I spoke with the MP today to try to solicit their help in this process as well. So, we're trying to get some signage up on 66 and 69 to kind of address us. Item 11, the new uh phone installation in town hall NPD Lou Dennis. Uh that'll start tomorrow at 9:00. There might be some downtime just here and there from the contract that we recently did with them. They're replacing our phone system. Also, I had a request from the senior center about planting a memorial tree at the Newberg Senior Center in memory of one of their members. The daughter had asked to place a white dogwood tree planted in memory. I assume I wanted to ask your approval for that pending that they locate the area to make sure they're not putting the tree on a gas or water or electric line. Um, but I didn't know what the process was on approving that. if I needed a formal motion or if I could just let them know

that they were okay.

I'd like to ask a question or make a comment. Um I have not pursued this much beyond meeting with John and uh also looking into some prices but I wasn't ready to bring it up but um I in my dream you know how my fellow council members how I am always coming up with something I I want very badly to get back to having u like a a trolley or a double-decker or something here in town as we have for many years in the past. I met with John because I wanted to find out if there would be any possibility of room to be able to garage something like that. His suggestion was that we look into building a garage of sorts in behind the senior center. I haven't talked about this because I'm not anywhere near, hey, it's going to be less expensive than my dreamed of event center at Lock & Dam Park. So,

true. I just don't want us to plant a tree and then in a year or two later come back and say we got to get rid of that tree and put it somewhere else and then it'll die. So, can we keep that in mind as a possible potential thing that might happen someday before I die? So, you'd want it more to the front of the building or to the side, but not in the back probably. Yeah. I mean, well, Chris can talk to them and figure out where they want it. If you guys remember, we took two or three trees down um either last year or the year before [cough] um that were in pretty bad shape along Jefferson Street.

Yes. And so we can either look at something along those I know we had talked about since we took those down replacing them with trees. Um but yeah we can look and find a good place to go.

So do you do you guys do I need to just do it or I wasn't sure what our process was on this big Chris. Do we need a motion or do we just do it? Plant the tree. I mean, never heard stop. I can make a motion if that's what you want. I mean, I [cough]

I'll I'll move that U. Chris [clears throat] work that Chris Click will work with the senior center and Andrea to make sure that the tree is in a good location at their property, our property. um with um the idea that we are checking into easements and utilities and uh maybe think a little bit about Lyanna's [cough] dream. Okay. Do I have a second to that one? Sec. Okay. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed? Motion carries.

Thank you. I'll let them know tomorrow. I also met [clears throat] Oliver, the new tourism director for War or visit War County. Andrew and I have a meeting here with her the week after Thanksgiving to get started. And then you saw in your packets for the town website, weekly reports, town Facebook page numbers, and the Talon Amphitheater Facebook page numbers as well as the new Instagram page approved recently. And the only other thing that's not in my pack, I need to ask for your approval of appointing the sidewall committee as the uh the group that kind of studies and breaks down the SS4A proposals that came in.

Scoring committed. I need your approval to make them committee for the SS4A grant um stuff that came in so that we can score those and then get get a packet back to you all with all the scores. I'll make that motion. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. All those opposed. Motion carries. Unless there's any other questions. Okay. Andrea.

Um you guys have my packet in front of you. Um I just want to remind everyone that town hall is closed this Thursday and Friday. Um, but other than that, um, we've just kind of been busy with end of the year stuff. Open enrollment is coming up December 1st to the 12th. Um, we've been working very hard on the handbook um, that we want to hopefully adopt in 2026. Um, and then I just want to remind you guys um, before I don't think we'll meet before, but um, parks board is having their holiday party after their meeting on December 4th. And then the holiday employee lunchon is on December 9th. So anybody that can come. What time is the parkour meeting?

Uh so parkour meets at 6. The meeting is about they only do like a half an hour meeting and then afterwards it's a little And is that going to be at the west walk master the west? Okay. Not the east. Okay. And then the holiday, the employee holiday lunchon is December 9th at 11 a.m. Any questions for Andrea? Zoning.

All righty. I'll run through the little zoning zoning report really quickly. Um, so permits. I've issued a few permits mostly for lot of stuff going on. I did issue a stop order last Friday. Um and excavating has the permit for the demolition so they can go ahead and start work but that will likely be the week of December 8th. Uh BCA our next meeting is December 22nd. Um we have a variance petition going up. Plan commission our next meeting is December 1st. We have zoning petition going again code enforcement that's kind of slowed down a little because it's been a little cold. Um but we'll probably be driving around tomorrow. Um as far as building inspector goes, for those who are not aware, we do have to redo a good amount of the driftwood sidewalk inspections. They were completed, but they weren't logged sufficiently. So information like the slope, the verified compant with ADA and then also who inspected them. That was all not long. So we'll be going out and doing that.

Oh dear. Yeah. Um so Gerald and I are planning to do that tomorrow and just take you know four hours. Um additional updates. I did some training. Do you guys have any questions? [cough] Any questions for Riley? Thank you. All right, Nanette.

Um, so the clerk treasur's office is wrapping up the year [clears throat] and you know at this time of year it's budget crunch time. Um, Andrea mentioned open enrollment and Lannne wanted me to let everybody know that you'll be receiving your true email. So council, if you get a true who email, it's about open enrollment for benefits. You guys don't normally get those. I don't think she had to send that special today. Um, so I just wanted to bring that to your attention. It's called True Who.

So it's an it's a app that we have through Epic, who is our broker. Um, and it just allows like Chris can send a mass message to all email all employees at once. We can relay information. It has all of our town documents on it and stuff like that for for access for all employees. So it's one way that we're just trying to easier communication with all the employees

and it has the open enrollment packet. She sent that. on [clears throat] that. Um, and unfortunately next year we'll be up for audit again. So, as we are getting ready to close out the year, we'll be prepping for the pre-prepping of the audit for 24 and 25. Um, next council meeting, we'll have several items to that will need to be approved for the end of the year. Other than that, we're good to go. Okay. Any questions for Annette? Uh, Chris, town attorney. No report. Drew, town engineer. No additional items unless you have questions for me.

Any questions for Chris or Drew? All right, we've got commission and committee reports. If you have anything that you want to say that we did not say at the last meeting, you're welcome to do it now when you give your report. Air authority, no report. BZAN,

no report. But I do have a fire report. Uh this is from Nick tonight. He says, "We are waiting for a call from Best One to pick up engine 16, which is getting new tires." And it goes on with his report. We have 27 firefighters, seven cadetses, and incident responses for the year are 614. The two numbers listed below represent what will most likely be the breakdown of the realistic yearly total in full on a yearly basis starting next year. The incident response for the year is including the six months of which the majority of our departments run, including the large portion of Ohio [clears throat] Township with the contract. Town of Newberg calls for service 171, mutual aid 93. Um they are still working on a dedication date for the new truck and they are also working on a date for the um awards event that they usually have close to the end of January. So he says he wants to get through the holidays and the festivity festivities before trying to plan anything but he'll keep us all updated. That's it. Thank you. Any questions for an HBC? We was cancelled. Our next meeting will be the second Thursday in December.

And I and I think if we will have a meeting. Okay. So, yeah. Okay. Go ahead. All right. Paul Parks. Yeah, we've covered the uh December 4th uh parks uh meeting that will be at the lock master's cabin. Okay. Any questions for Paul? plan myself. Um, we have not had a meeting since our last meeting and we will be meeting this coming Monday. Any questions for me? Paul, police. Police Commission will meet uh on December 12th at 11:00 a.m.

Okay. Shop with a comp. Is that ready to go? Yeah, we've got a lot of stuff coming up. Okay. Like a lot. So, okay. Can I ask a question? You have this look of fear on your face. Go for it. [laughter] You should know me by now. It's been a couple months. Yeah.

Okay. What? Okay. [clears throat] Well, I I would like to ask if the police commission and Chief Eric would consider having a car down here off and on fairly often with the speed hump now, speed table being taken out. I mean, already you're starting to see people and I wanted that table out. I didn't want there in the first place, but already today I've been down here twice and people are just blasting through. I think if a car were there, they would be a little more hesitant to do that. So, is that a suggestion for us to discuss at the police?

I mean, I don't know if I'm supposed to come and ask that or if I can just ask you to ask it. I I'll be happy to make sure we discuss that. Oh, thank you, Steve. Storm water. Storm water met about three hours ago and uh

uh we Drew went over several projects and we're moving forward on a number of things. One thing I did want to ask the council about is that we the stormwater board has been running one person short for quite a quite a long time now and we have a candidate in in mind who has not totally pulled the trigger and said he's he agrees but I think he is leaning that direction and I would ask that the town council if they feel it appropriate approve him for the position on the stormwater board based on his acceptance so that we can move quicker than waiting for meetings here at the end of the year. And that person is Bill Griezbacher.

Okay. So, I would make a if if if it's okay with council, if it's okay with our legal counsel, I would make a motion to tenatively to approve Bill Griezbacher as a member of the storm water storm water board based on his acceptance of the uh of the offer. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed. All right. Good job. Well, I mean, he's he still hasn't said yes, but he he he's in he was supposed to come to a meeting today, but he was he's in Florida for Thanksgiving. So,

okay, good reason. If you want me to. Okay. Thank you.

I streets street has done a lot been very busy. Not just today. They replaced ropes and hardware on the three flag poles on the waterfront at the plaza. They replaced two catch basins on Sycamore Street. And that was a days long project. And they also replace a 12-in pipe under the street at that point. They cleaned up limbs and debris on debris right away Yorkshire Drive in the edge of frame. They cleaned up a tree at the front of IHOP. They continued blowing walkway and contain maintaining the trash bags and doggy bags. They patched potholes. They cleaned up limbs at the Veterans Memorial. They did pothole utilities at 8 Yorkshire Drive for an engineer. They pulled two signs at the Iran trail head. They poured the concrete pad for the food pantry. And once that concrete is cured, then the the food pantry will actually be fastened down to that concrete pad so it won't get knocked over or anything will happen to it. They cleaned up the chalk graffiti several more times. They dug out the ditch on Grey Street. They went to IDE storm water training. They removed the speed hump at 12:22 today. They were done. They repaired the railings on Jennings Street and repaired the basin and great of northwest corner of Jennings and Jefferson Street. And that's always been a problem spot.

They suited up the truck for snow removal. They continued picking up leaves and cleaning drains. They cleaned out the culvert inlet on Westervelt and they replaced the firetruck engine highway sign and painted by the fire department. That's it. All right. Any questions for an Steve? Utility. Utility will meet next Wednesday. All right. Standing committees, finance, I have nothing other than what Nette recorded earlier. And personnel evaluations are being done currently. So, we will have those. Our personnel committee will have those by December 1st.

All right. Um, arts commission Lyanna. Uh, yes. the art comm Arts commission did uh skip the November meeting because it would have been tonight. Uh so uh we're actually going to make our December meeting sort of a little gathering and more of a laid-back meeting. We're going to go to the L room and if anyone would be interested in joining us, you'd be welcome. Um that would be on December 22nd of u at new the Luna Community Park. Okay. But you have to bring something to eat

a snack. Yes. All right. Lyanna Growth in progress. Um oh I'm sorry. Sidewalks first. Sidewalks. Um we're not going to meet until uh January. would be January 20th. Uh, and that would be [cough] a Tuesday. We usually meet on a third Tuesday and that would be at 10:30 a.m. here at town hall. All right. And then growth in progress. Did you? Yes, [cough and clears throat] that's next.

Okay. Um, we had a meeting last week. Uh our next meeting will be on the fourth um fourth t fourth Thursday which is December the n uh 18th and that is at 10:30. No 400 p.m. 4 p.m. I'm getting my meetings mixed up. All right. Miscellaneous business. Steve, do you have any?

I have one thing. Uh, I think that we need to make sure that if we're giving presentations, if people are giving presentations to us, the people who are in the audience need to be able to see that. I think we we did the parking study, I was a little embarrassed that people who were here to who would be interested in it weren't able to to see it. And I think if it's at all possible, we should make sure we have it in AV form. Okay, I agree with that. Okay. Oh, because it wasn't up there, right? That wasn't up there during this too. Oh, sorry.

No, but you can't see that one very well. You could. Sorry. All right. And happy Thanksgiving, you turkeys. [laughter] And the same to you, turkey. Thank you, Lyanna. I have nothing. And I have nothing other than wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Nanette, approval of claims.

All claims have been provided to council five days prior to this council meeting. I'd like to request for civil town 272 $272,36354 272363 and54 cents for sewer $491,927841927 and8. I'll make a motion to approve all claims properly signed including any sewer adjustment to be paid. Do I have a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed. I'll make a motion for adjournment. Do I have a second? Second. All those in favor say I. I.

I. We are ajourned.