Town Council - Regular Meeting

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. Call of the town council October 7, 2025 town council meeting minutes. Any questions or changes? I need a motion. I will make a motion to approve. All those in favor say I. All

okay. Did we um I know Jeff Brown had been here previously to study [laughter] briefly because I don't think anybody. Um, so I'll give a brief run through of the break even.

Okay. So, we have a rate study we prepared on September um 17, 2025. Um, I'll give a quick run through of each page and then let me know if you have any questions. Um, starting on page two, we take a look at the account balances for the sewage works as of the end of 2024. In total, about 6 million, 6.3 million. Um, and then we compare that to minimum balances required for the bond ordinance. And then um any other basic re recommendations um with and then we show a variance on the far right of about 1.56 million a positive variance over and above the minimum required reserves. So cash position overall is in a is in a good spot as of the end of 2024. Uh then on page three, this would be the schedule of project costs and funding. Um we have three different columns here. One is representing the um the currently outstanding bands in the in the amount of 5 million and 38,000. Um and then we're showing potential alternatives if if the future project was funded through SRF or RWFA. Um either way, it looks like The proposed bonds of 2026 are going to be somewhere around 17.5 million if funded through SRF or if funded through RWFA. It would be closer to 18 million because of some additional project costs that that they require. Um following that through to page four, this is where we look at revenue requirements of the utility. So we take a look at estimated operating dispersements um post project. So it looks like we're estimating that to be 461,000 um and then some additional estimated

operation and maintenance costs that come along with the project. So 105,000 and then the different columns um the different columns are showing the different bond amounts. So with SRF there's potential to either do a 20-year loan, 35 year loan or somewhere in between. um just based on how things work out and based on the estimated useful life of the project. Um and then with RWFA, they allow you to do a 30-year loan. So that's the option we're showing there. Um the next line would be the debt service reserve. So that's a requirement um by SRF. They require you to fund that over five years and that has to be built up to equal the maximum annual debt service. Um RWFA does not have that requirement. So that helps when it comes to the potential rate impact. Um and then the last line being the or the last line in that section allowance for replacements, improvements and debt service coverage. And that kind of varies based on the different scenarios. So we take all that take out estimated interest income and that will get us the net annual revenue requirements of the utility and then we compare that to 2024 actual collections. And then so any any variance there is what comes out to the the potential estimated rate increase. So depending on what scenario we choose um SRF a 20-year loan we're looking at about 137% after um after the project 35ear loan would be closer to 101% and then RWFA [clears throat] is at 111%. So I believe when um when Jeff was here to present this before um the thought process was maybe to do you know roughly a third of that now probably another phase like when we start the project and then another phase of approximately 30% um that last year after project completion

was trying to So with the current let me find the other sheet. So what was proposed for the introduction tonight? Um if I look at the the other sheet with the charts on it um again we were thinking approximately 34%. It looks like the current current rates and this is based on 4,000 gallons. Um what we say is like an average user. So, that's about $67.74. And we're proposing um the 34% increase, which would take that up to $80.16.

Question. When you say 34%, are you saying like earlier you said 100% for the the 35 year SRF? When you're saying 34%, does that mean there's still another 66% to cover later on the SRF35? So 34% is just a slow increase, but eventually we're getting to a point where the water this the 6774 in the 35 year will effectively double.

Correct. Yeah. Yeah. But the numbers that were around 100% or more, that's the estimated total increase after the project. And when would that whole rate hit? Um, so if we do it in the phases like this, um, so the phase one starting, you know, within the next couple months, assumed a phase two, and it's up to the council, but um, just assuming a year from now and then the final phase probably another year from then post project completion. Okay. What would you say the average user is in?

Um I don't right now have the average user for Rono. What we typically base all of our clients on is a 4,000galon average. Um that's based on a average Indiana user.

That's an average household use or average user. average residential yes household user.

Um and then if you do have the the handout for today, that bottom chart would show um anything in the bluish aqua color. That would be similar surrounding communities or you know cities and towns with similar populations. So as you can see, you know, certain towns might be lower, certain places are higher. these annual rates shown for for other towns. That's as of January 1st, 2025. So, we are looking at rate increases all the time. It's kind of a moving target. Um, so I know some of these towns are doing projects as well, probably expected to go up.

I have a question. I don't know if you can answer or they can answer. This raises this going to start January 1st, correct? Yeah. Yes. So, if I pay $135 a month now, what's that going to look like? 150 160 what? It would be exactly 34% higher than that would be a bit

$20. It's like Yeah. $20 $21. So it'll be 150. Are the other two going to be the same or less raises? At this point, we don't know. We don't know the full project cost yet. That's why we've done phasing. So hopefully, you know, we have a rough estimate, but we don't know for sure. If we get a good bid in and it's a good season, then the rate increase will not be as high as what's shown. for the final project. So for the final project, I'm looking at what potential $200 bar go every month. More than that,

more than that. More than that. We we just at this point we we don't know. But she didn't say that 101% is our kind of projection that Right. So that would that would that would double.

So in three years So three years $300, not we're just talking sewer, not your total bill. Your bill includes your water, your trash, your sewer cost more than your water and your trash and your fire hydrant. And I understand that cuz it's broke down. But that total bill comes in to you, you know, at $135, not 80 bucks. I want to know totally what I do. I mean I mean off the top of your head, you know, I mean we can't give an answer now. I mean these are our best estimates based on um project costs per the engineers. We can't really give a

Well, right now you're looking at probably $21 a month more right now for the first 15. So, I I need to look at I don't want to look at $300. That's that's that's ridiculous. $300 for two people. I'm done. That's ridiculous. There's a lot of people going to be hardressed to pay that money. Well, yeah. If you're living off social security like me, uncles at church. How the hell am I?

They they cared they take care of this 15 years ago. Cheaper. You're not wrong. We uh we've talked about that that we had the the I mean, I know it's not [clears throat] you guys that did it, but you know, but done it the right way. This has been done 15, 20 years ago instead of now when it's quadrupled what it cost to do it. And now we don't have much choice now. And now we're the ones that's got to pay for that. And that's that's a when you're on a budget stuff, that's a big hit in your budget. And does anybody care? I don't know, but you Please remember. Please remember that includes everybody.

I understand. I understand that. That's why a lot of people ought to be feed off kids and they're just happy. Okay. You know, maybe I can get a greeter at Walmart. I mean, I understand I I can complain about all I want. I understand I got to pay for it at the end of the day anyway, but it it really be nice to know how much I'm going to be paying on it. Well, I think that average was 60 additional. Am I reading that right on the the final page of the RWFA? all phases you're saying 12 for the end of the third phase. Yeah. So it' be like 200 bucks a month

on your 135. We just don't we we know the beginning we know a rough estimate. Well, I understand that but I'm just add you know absolutely if you're saying it's looking like after the final pay, you know, the final hike you're paying 60 or 70 bucks, then I'm looking at $200 a month. Okay, that's what I was trying to get trying to read this and figure all this out. I'm not I don't I just look at the final what's my water bill?

You know, we'll take one more question and then just as a reminder, we're going to have a the public hearing for this increase is the first meeting in December. We're having a public hearing. So, you're welcome to come back and voice your concerns and have questions, discuss it. That's what the public hearing is for. So you have here you may find a bigger place and the main for this one was to introduce the ordinance. [clears throat] Yeah. For the increase. So you guys haven't decided on which one of these loans you're going to do. We won't know that until closer to actually getting into estimate bids and stuff like that.

How old is our water filtration plant and typically how long do they last? It was put in in 94 and the lifespan is usually 25 to 30 years.

So state been on that council member 15 years ago to do something about it. Well, it's a combination of the lagoon and the wastewater treatment plan which is why [clears throat] those separate bills too. Sad one question. I know you said well only one more wanted to ask this a few [clears throat] times. I've looked through a lot of the minutes over the last two or three years and I can't find the thing on it. So I apologize if I'm bringing up something old, but have we looked into trying to tap into Fort Wing at all? Several times. Okay. Very good. That's a good idea.

We've tried to uncover every rock possible. I understand. I never find any source possible. I figured as much but I I couldn't find anything so I just thought I'd bring it. [clears throat] Go ahead. One more. No, go. Yeah, go ahead. Okay. Okay. Go ahead. As of January 1st, the first incremental amount will be started. Yes. But you won't see it until your February bill. Correct, sir. Correct. Oh, so from January February 15th for January usage. Okay. Then when does the next increment come? That will be that hasn't been decided. That hasn't been decided. Okay. Okay.

Okay. I'll be super quick. One quick question. And previously in a meeting uh you guys were somebody was saying that the the equipment we were looking at had an estimated 20 year lifespan or 30. Has that changed? It has not. Okay. So if we take [clears throat] the the lowest dollar one, we end up having an a piece of equipment that might have to be replaced. The difference between what we have now versus what we're looking at, while there's still equipment involved, what we have now, there's no there's really no upgrading it. It's it's what we have. That's it. Right. Right.

What we're looking at for future, yes, there may be some equipment issues, but it's easier to replace that to keep going. So, great. Uh, the other thing is more comment. It would probably be really useful at the public hearing if there was a chart breakdown of the water bill to kind of show a more visual example of like his question in particular of what is what does it mean when his water bill goes up 34%. It's not off of $130. It's off of the water portion.

Right. Sorry. Not trying to make that. I don't know how I don't know if that's going to be easy thing to do because every resident uses different amounts of water. Like I mean there's your bill. I mean you can if you look at your bill it's on there. It's split out on the bill. So if you look at the wastewater amount and increase that by 34% you're going to get a more accurate than us trying to figure out every single but I'm I'm way to guide them to that like an example where you're like showing them the actual what you should do with your bill to figure out how it impacts you that maybe take dummy numbers.

Yeah, just trying to get an idea what dollars are about for the person. And to your question about the lowest dollar amount, the 35 year SRF. Yes, there's a possibility that we were to go that route, the new system could expire in 30 years and then we're paying five years on system we don't have anymore. while financing new system which doesn't seem like smart business. To piggy back on that, that's why the engineering firm Watt Mueller is looking at the way they're setting up the filtration is that you have options and changeovers, more redundancy, we have no redundancy right now, which is not good. Yeah. And so that we can upgrade and do things versus what we have now you're stuck with.

Thank you. Um, after you get all this done, you're not planning on allowing contractors come in and build more houses, are you? There will be development, but we've also put in place impact fees so that they're paying an example of that is um a development that's happening more recently. But in order for them to tap into the system, they're paying fees, a set schedule in order to have access to our system on top of what they would pay for the regular rate. So the more people the more people get in you get here in Ron Oak then are you going to have to drill more wells for water then are you got to build more water towers for water?

Anytime a development would want to come in? We have to look at our usage and it would be based on what we have available. It would maybe we ought to take a vote on December 1st and and ask the people we want more people coming in. The the whole point of what we're looking at with the wastewater treatment plant is we're already tapped out and we have homes. So we don't need any [clears throat] more people coming in. This isn't about water, which we do have ample amounts of water, Eron, if that's

correct. It's not about that piece, but I for us on council, it's looking at what do we have? How do we plan for 20 years so the next group along the way isn't stuck where we're stuck right now with three major projects and financing along. I won't be here in 20 years, so I don't care. [laughter] Well, you know, you look at it like, hey, I help finance community. [clears throat]

Okay. Um, so we'll move on to the Baker, which the comprehensive financial plan, fiveyear plan.

All right. So, changing directions here. Um, I'm Amber Neielson. Um, I worked with the town many years ago when the whole sewer project started, but I haven't been here in a few years. Uh, we had kind of a change in teams and so that's why you've probably seen Jeff and Kim here a little bit more often. Um, they focus a little bit more on utility work. I kind of shifted at at that point in time and I focus more on town and uh, city civil funds. So, I'm here um, Sarah and I had a conversation a few weeks ago um with all of the changes coming soon to uh property taxes across the state. Um I brought up to Sarah um how several years ago in 21 or 22 the town did a 5-year financial plan and it was just the town funds. Um so it looked at your general fund uh all of your property tax funds and then your local income tax funds. Uh what we did and what we still do is we helped you all put together a a five-year capital plan for the town side. Um put it all together, kind of forecasted your revenues and your expenses, included your budgets, and kind of gave you a snapshot financially where where the town funds look 5 years into the future. So that was um we're almost at 26, so that was four or five years ago that we did that and then we haven't done it since. So, I just brought up to Sarah whether or not um you as the council [clears throat] would want to consider doing that again as we head into 2026 being the first year of Senate ruled act one and all of those changes. Um so Sarah asked me to pres uh prepare a quote and so I will go through you should have like a fivepage um handout that I'll quickly go through. And so the la our last uh agreement for that financial plan in 21 was just kind of a fixed fee agreement and we provided

that financial plan to you um which we still do fixed fee agreements for that but what we have been trying to do especially as um you know the legislative landscape is continuing to change. There are just so many changes to local government and the impact is trying to structure this where you know we're not just handing you a report and then saying let us know if you have any questions but where we're kind of with you along the way providing you more updates. So that is what you know we call BT+. Um that is what that is. So on slide one or sorry slide page two um we kind of say what that is. It's essentially the same thing we've done in the past. We're just kind of packaging it a little bit different. Um, we do, um, try to package it instead of like one large fixed fee, we, uh, bill it to you in monthly increments. Um, and we do provide a 10% discount off of that, off of what we would normally, uh, a bill if it was a fixed fee. And this allows us to kind of, you know, and and you'll see this in a few slides, but prepare a draft in the spring and then, you know, maybe something big changes in August and we're, you know, providing you those updates and then you adopt a budget in the fall and we provide you those updates. Ju just so just being a little bit more involved as a part of that financial plan to help you all make decisions along the way. Um, so that's really what BT+ is. It's it's really your financial plan tailored to you and packaged in a monthly price. So um as a part of this BT+ on slide three, we do um a lot of different things for communities and BT+ is kind of um tailored to each community. So like what are your needs? How can we help you provide them and then what are we going to price that? So if you look on slide four then what we're proposing here as a part of this is we now call it a townwide economic analysis. Um so we're updating that financial plan we did in 2021. What we've been also been trying to do is include utilities in that financial

plan. So it won't only include your civil town funds, but you're going to have an appendix for uh water and appendix for sewer and essentially do the same thing. Review large users um you know kind of give you a five-year outlook with all of the project and rate changes for each utility. Um so we are proposing that as well. Um and of course this year since the legislative changes we're including those changes to local income tax that are coming uh property tax as well to really show you how does all that affect putting that on paper and providing you that that financial plan. So that way in 26 that first year of impacts you guys see how are we looking in 2031 and do we need to make any changes decisions now? How do we counteract any negative impacts? So on slide five and again this is can be tailored. So these are just the options I prepared and the cost associated with them but if there's something like you guys think of like hey what would be the cost for this or one less meeting or something like that let me know I can provide an updated um quote but really option one I have here would be um the full update we provide us a version one of it to you in the spring and then version two would be in the fall after you've adopted your 2027 budget. We'd include utility funds. We would have meetings with department heads and you all to review and prepare capital plans. And then we would be here um it would include two meetings in the spring and in the fall presenting that financial plan and any updates to you. And so that would be priced at 2,800 a month only for 26 2026. This this would be the one-year contract. Option two is a little bit less. It's all the same, but it does not include utility funds. Um a full financial review of those. So that would be 2,000 a month and that so annually that would be about 26,000 which I think last year when I was here um that was pretty close to the quote we provided you all and again this would

include all the center one impacts and stuff like that and then um or sorry that would be 24,000 not 26,000 um and then option three would be instead of doing the two versions but you wanted to include the utility funds um that would be 2,300 a month. So lots of different options. Um but wanted to you know be here for questions see if there's any thoughts um on your side. I mean we could also build other things in you know if you all are like still sitting here like I fully don't understand center one and how that impacts the town you know we could instead do a work session or add a work session or you know kind of tailor it to to what you all need um if you feel like you need it. So, um, any questions, any thoughts or concerns, any interest in updating that financial plan? Do you feel like it would provide value to you all at this point in time?

I think there's interest, especially with the implications of SEA1, the substantial local government. So, I mean, there's interest. Not prepared to make a decision personally tonight, but definitely like we have no idea how that affects Rowan Oak and I think it would be very beneficial to know.

Yeah. Um I mean it it really is going to uh depend on you know the makeup of your community and um the legislative services agency uh did release estimates. Uh Baker Philly is preparing our own estimates. Their estimates were released pretty quickly and we don't know the assumptions from their estimates to know but you know there are two different revenue sources that will be affected. It's property tax and local income tax and I mean we do several comprehensive financial plans across the state and it really depends on the community. I've done a few for small towns that are not really super effective and then I've done a few for small towns who have um very high value homes because those with high value homes will see the most uh impact to property tax revenues and they're estimated to millions. Um, so it's really dependent on each comm community and whether or not you guys feel um, you know, I've had other communities too say our fund balances are strong enough to kind of weather the storm in 26. That is the first full year and um, it'll ramp up until 2031 when it'll be in full effect. Um, so you know, you don't have to decide tonight, but I'm happy to answer any questions. Sarah has my contact info. you guys want to talk about anything, you can email me or give me a call. But um anytime you feel if you feel you want to move forward with anything or even we can provide other quotes, let me know.

Thank you. I think we're going to head out on this as we get to our drive home. So great to see you guys. Thank you so much. Yes. USI.

All right. Mine's a little easier, right? Um, so we have two agreements tonight. They're both in relation to the safety improvement projects that were awarded earlier this year through INDOT. And the agreements in front of you tonight are for construction inspection of those projects and it is a required item of the grant that you guys received for it. So this is they're both reimburseable 8020 and they're both within the range of your financial commitment letters. Are they 8020 or 90?

Oh yes 9010. Sorry 10% we pay 90% just to clarify. Thanks for the correction. All right. Does anyone have any questions? I'll make a motion to approve HSI USI's HSIP contract for construction inspection for the sign replacement project. I'll second that. All those in favor say I. I. All opposed. And then I will make a motion to approve the HSIP contract um for the pedestrian improvements. Second that. All those in favor say I. I.

All opposed. Thank you. That was easy. Um, citizen comments. Can you can you please stand up and or you don't have to stand up? I guess I'm sorry, but can you please state your name and tell us that if you live in town? Yes. Dennis Wilson. I live at the run of Bluffs. Where would that fee come from? I mean, how would that fee be paid? Which fee? The one that she talked about this fiveyear plan thing. Oh, the big utility like general fund or something.

Yeah, I would recommend it. It depends if they decide to do the utilities in with it. If they do, then it would be split between sewer, water, and then the general fund. But if it's not utilities, then it would still would definitely have to come out of the general fund. Okay, good question. Tammy Bumer here on behalf of the chamber. seeking approval for our special events application for Christmas in the village next month. Okay. Did everybody get a copy of it? Yes. Okay. Does anyone have any questions for Tammy or concerns? We have the check. We have the updated certificate of insurance. Yes, sir.

Um we have approval from all the fire, street, and police department. There's no liquor. So, no one has any questions. I'll second that. All those in favor say I. I. All oppose. Any other? Yeah.

Yeah. Uh John Nelson here representing uh Rona Beautifification Foundation and I am here uh in place of Diana Bumgardner who's our board chair. She's unavailable this evening, but uh she wanted me to uh I guess not necessarily seek permission, but alert the council that in previous meetings there's been some conversation about addressing the trees on Main Street in Ron Oak. And she felt like there was at one point a decision made or permission granted to start to address the trees. All but one are dead currently on Main Street. The one in front of Rex's barber shop is the lone one that's still alive. And so with the council's permission, Ron of Beautifification will make those trees come down. the one all of them along Main Street. Uh we're working with uh Waterfield Enterprises to light the Christmas or the light poles all up and down the street to help with Christmas in the village because in the past the trees have been lit up and I guess I'm seeking permission or some acknowledgement that all that can proceed.

Yeah. Yeah. You have our permission. Thank you. and and so we've been coordinating with the town Aaron specifically uh regarding any future plans as far as the removal of the stumps once the trees come down. Uh it's a big project and and we don't really have any plans uh in mind, but we'll certainly coordinate with the town as those plans start to materialize. Did you get the grant? Wasn't there a grant that we're applying for grants? We haven't heard anything, but we're certainly doing so. I I have a quick question with the stumps. Are we going to have an issue with people tripping?

Yeah, it's a great question. And so Aaron Aaron uh wanted to make sure that we address that as well. And so the game plan is that uh they would be filled flush. The town has I believe and again I'm coordinating with Aaron uh the previous grates that were out there. You'll notice there's one in front of Joseph Quake where we took a tree down. Well, a tree had been down, a stump was removed, and there's now a grate there in place. Ideally, by the time everything is down, uh, all of those would be filled with dirt, flush with the surface, great on top to eliminate any trip hazards. Okay, it's a good question. Thank you. Do they know why the trees died?

We don't, but we have an arborist who's going to give us a good evaluation so that we don't have to rinse and repeat this. Good question. Um question kind of related to the Halloween uh last Friday. Can you say your name? John Rogers. And what where you live? Right across on top of the hill. 384 South.

Um so everything went fine for us. Although the traffic got a little speedier as we got to sort of the darkness approaching. I who would I talk to about can we put like lighted caution signs or something? I'm not suggesting closing the road down. They're just kind of like, hey, they're because what we saw a lot of were groups of kids going. They were on the far side of the street, then they saw us and they come dashing across and it was it was a little nerve-wracking. I probably getting overprotective, but I wouldn't mind just just something to say, "Hey guys, kids are being active." And then the signs disappear at 8:00. No big deal. You know, is who would I talk to about something like that? Is that beautifification? Is that

our local law enforcement? Perfect. Thank you. And I'll bring it up closer to next year.

Any other questions or concerns, comments? I don't see any speed limit signs for downtown Ron Oak. I see speed limit signs for 30 mph out there where I live, but for downtown, I don't think people should be going 30 m hour. So, you know, some people use a lot of people use their common sense, but there's nothing there to tell people how fast you can go. brought that up. You have to speak up. People can't hear you. Pardon me. Sorry.

The ordinance is for the whole town is 30 mph unless otherwise posted in the hour. Well, do you think 30 m hour is a reasonable speed for down downtown road? Do I? Yeah. I don't think people I think that's too fast. You open your car door and somebody could take it off. Okay, you're getting out of your car at that point, right? Well, okay. Well, let's just say, you know, 30 mph downtown Ron Oak. I think that's too bad. Okay, that's I think that ought to be like 20 mph. Okay, that's something that that seriously needs to go in front of them. Okay.

I mean, we we can I mean, we can discuss that. The only the problem is is that you can post a 20 mph sign and people are still going to speed through town. And we can discuss a speed. Yeah, we can do a speed study. That's before before you change speed limits. You typically do a speed study to see what's actually happening. That's something we can discuss with Aaron and with our providers. And I will say with our changes with our sign replacement from that HSIP grant, there are some upgrades that are coming for our stop signs like that.

State your name and where you live, please. Jim G. I live up on Oak Park, right?

Okay. I'm just adding a little bit to what it says. I've been in transportation my entire life. You can put up all the signs you want and all the speed limits you want. Stop signs. They're going to be ignored whether you like it or you don't like it. I stand down here by the post office on purpose sometimes. Right here in our little town of Rono, everybody runs to stop signs. Okay? Everybody. They pull up, they look, and boom, there they go. They pull up, boom, there they go. I don't know what the answer is. Pull them over and give a ticket. I guess that's job. [clears throat]

I mean, we've had I mean, the officers do their best. There's only two of them. And they do their best to catch people. You catch one. I mean, I honestly I don't have an answer for you.

Yeah. There is no answer. I'm I'm surprised nobody's been uh no kids been hit and killed in my subdivision because they never stopped the stop sign since the day one I lived there. And the one time that the police officer was on the side of the road videoing them below the sign when they when when they had the [clears throat] I don't know Macintosh or the judge or whatever was down here. If the police officer couldn't show up, it got thrown out. It got thrown out. So, they never got in trouble for it. There's only one answer to this. And you're looking at it. You're looking at the answer right here. Slow down. Slow down.

We all drive. We're all adults. We should be responsible. And that's the answer. I mean, there is no other answer. All right. Any other comments or questions? Rose, South Main, this is just kind of an off subject question. Is there a time limit for empty trash cans to sit out on the street? Good question. Well, you can't put them away if you don't get home from work. The ordinance master, the ordinance states a significant time. [clears throat]

There's no there there is no there is no 6 minutes, 12 minutes, 24 hours. There is nothing. Curious. Yeah. Yeah. I know. Like I live in the bluffs and we have the HOA has a rule that you have to have it in by 7:30 at night. So I mean, but to answer your question, no, there's not an exact time. I try. That's unfortunate. All right. If there are no other questions or comments, we'll go ahead and move on to the park department.

Uh just have a few things. Uh first, uh when I talked to you in September, uh I requested uh um approval to purchase new poles for the uh ball diamonds down there. And that price was $11,592. Um I thought that included the tax and that did not. So I'm just need council's approval to help pay for that. the rest of the bill for pay that tax of $81144 and it would come out of the park budget. That will come out of the park budget as requested. Okay. I will make a motion to approve the $8114 44. I'll second that.

All those in favor say I.

I. All opposed. [clears throat] And then the next thing uh the park board met in September and we discussed a five-year plan and we will meet uh next Tuesday at 6:30 to uh decide what to uh pursue this first year and then the following years. Uh and then what basically what we came up with um the basketball court is in need of repair. There's a big crack that goes along the the whole center of the basketball court. Uh the second thing is a new park sign. Uh the third thing is pickle ball courts and the fourth and fifth things are a disc golf and a dog park. So like I said, we'll discuss those uh next week and uh decide which one we want to try to get done and accomplish this year.

And what time and place did you say that here at the town hall at 6:30? And then to uh help with those um things that the park board wants to try to achieve in the next 5 years. Uh I think you were made aware that last last meeting, but I'm not sure. Uh we got a $10,000 donation from an individual. Uh they would like to see that money go towards a sign or towards a pickle ball court. And then the second thing is uh I applied for a grant through a foundation and uh I was awarded uh $32,500 to go towards the pickle ball court.

Awesome. So hopefully maybe we can get two of the things taken care of this year and not have to wait. Um this [clears throat] is kind of I don't know where you're at right now as far as the bridge bridge demolition. Um I don't know what will be decided with that but it is decided that the uh bridge is going to be demolished. No we're going to talk about we can talk about now. Oh okay. Well, my what I was going to suggest is that if if if it is going to be demol demolition is going to be done, um I would like to see if possible, uh one, it's not ADHD ADA compliant. Um and then a lot of vandalism is broken into I wouldn't wouldn't mind to see if the restrooms up front could be demolished.

Yes. All right. I think we probably maybe get a little bit of background. Oh, you can wait. That's fine. I just No, it's we can talk about now. It's not a big deal. So the drain, we got a letter, a demand letter from the drainage board telling us that we were to remove the concrete bridge, the middle bridge in the park. Either remove it or lift it. What was it like a one and a half foot and a half like that? Y um so we contacted the town attorney and we appealed and what has happened is um I don't know how to exactly how to word it. They just they dismissed mutual dismissal.

It was a mutual dismissal. So, at this point, [clears throat] we're not required to demolish the bridge or get rid of or raise it. Um, but they do want us to have a maintenance plan of some sort. So, yeah. So, we don't know what that looks like yet. Yeah. But at this point, the bridge will not be being demolished. It just will stay where it is. Okay. Okay.

And then just for uh future uh for you guys in the future, um like the park board mentioned that they want to put up a new uh sign for the park entrance. Um we can leave it as remote park, but I was uh I'll bring it up when the time comes. The council would be considering of naming the park to the individual that donated the land so that it could become a park. Instead of calling the road park, call that individual whatever the last name is park. So just just a heads up. So in future I'll probably bring that up. And that's all I have. Police department.

Nothing for the police department. We don't have anything. Superintendent of Operations.

Uh so yesterday I went with SV down to Widen to have a discussion on the lagoon. Uh went really well. Uh the main topic was the what is labeled construction debris. Um they [clears throat] there has been samples done in the past. Um three samples in in that debris. Um, two of them came back non detected for cadmium. One of them came back.15 parts per million for cadmium. The action level is one or higher. Um, but in the closure plan they approve somehow a paragraph in there says it is assumed that the construction debris is hazardous. So they more or less want us to take more pictures, do some resampling to disprove the assumption, even though previous samples already prove that.

Um, but they were they were real happy we came down and talked to them. Um, they they want to do the best they can to help us get that closed as cheap as possible. Um, they may have some other ideas, get rid of the sludge. Um funny thing is the action level for um the cadmium is one part per million but you can land apply it up to two parts per million don't make any sense. So that may be an option. Um but they're they're going to do some talks internally. So until then, SMMES come up with a plan to not only sample construction debris, but we're going to try to resample some of the sludge out in the area, which with the drought we've had, it's going to be challenging because there's not a whole lot of water,

right? It went well. Um, so then we'll just go on the next phase of just for everyone's knowledge, part of the reason why we're doing that is to reduce the cost to close that lagoon. That's why we're why we're taking a step back to readress this.

Talk to Lock Miller. They they are at 60%. They were waiting on a few wrinkles to get a more [clears throat] accurate cost estimate. So that's why it's not here tonight. Um I hope to have it to be in the next couple weeks. Uh and then station we're still on schedule. Hopefully see that control panel this month. Thank you, Councilwoman Tanisha White. Um, before us, we have the uh approved by the redevelopment commission the tip annual spending plan. It lays out how funds would likely be spent last year should we choose to extend them. Um, if you have any questions, if not, I'll make a motion to approve the TIF annual spending plan for 2026.

All those in favor say I. I. All opposed. Terry seconded. I heard someone ask who second it. Sorry. Councilwoman Terry Edmonson. I don't have anything. Council member Brian Humphre. I don't have anything tonight.

Nick's not here. Um we are in preparation. We have a have a contract with Parkview EMS. Um that was done in 2010. um we are going to be sending a letter to them um requesting some changes to the contract. So I just need to and we have to give them 180 days notice. So I just need um approval or a motion in a second to go ahead and sign a letter and get that sent to Parkview EMS to make the changes or request changes. I'll make that motion. A second. All those in favor say I. I. All opposed. Okay, that's all I have. Course Sarah

changes. I don't have anything after we already talked about the Okay. Um any old business? Presentation of bills and utility adjustments. I will make the motion to approve the bills as presented. I'll second that. All those in favor say I. I. All opposed. I will make a motion to adjurnn the meeting. I'll second that. All those in favor say I. I. All opposed.