Village of Oblong

February 7, 2018

February 7th, 2018

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, February 7th, 2018, in the Farley Room of the Municipal Building.

Members Present: Mayor Teresa Fielder, Clerk Ladora Boyd, Trustee Debi Wilson, Trustee Jay Haines, Trustee Dave Hasty, Trustee Bill Burke, Trustee Jeron Harris and Treasurer/Deputy Clerk Jan Miller.
Absent: Trustee Angie Fear.
Others Present: Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Chris DeWitt (WTAY/WTYE), Tom Compton (Daily News), and Mike McReynolds.

The meeting was called to order at 7 pm by Mayor Fielder with everyone standing and saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Regular Board Meeting Minutes of January 3rd, 2018, were approved with a motion by Jeron, and a second by Debi. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

There was one deletion to the agenda this month. The Crawford County Leadership Group could not make it to the meeting this month.

There was one Delinquent Water Bill customer at this month’s meeting. Mike McReynolds asked if he could pay his bill on February 13th. The Board granted his request.

Teresa stated that the Antique Tractor/Engine Club is requesting the use of the park on August 10th, 11th and 12th, for their annual Antique Tractor/Engine Show. The Board granted their request.

Teresa stated that the Character Counts group from Oblong is wanting to have their Character Counts 5K Fun Run on April 6th (Rain dates would be April 13th or 20th). It will be the same route as last years. The Board granted the request. Teresa stated when it gets closer to the date of the run, she will contract the Indiana Railroad about the train schedule.

Teresa stated that she had copies of the Application for TIF Grant Money forms made for the trustees to look over and approve. There was some discussion about the forms. Motion by Bill, with a second by Jay, to approve the Application for TIF Grant Form. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Teresa stated that Carolyn Higgins has requested some TIF Grant money for the work being done on her buildings located at 107 & 109 South Range Street. Teresa stated that the Ad-Hoc committee is recommending an amount of $1,000. Motion by Jeron, with a second by Debi, to give Carolyn Higgins a $1,000 from the TIF Grant Fund when she has filed all the necessary paperwork and it has the appropriate signatures on it. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Mayor’s Comments:
Teresa mentioned that the Department Heads will need to start working on budget figures for FY2019.

Teresa stated that the Village had received a letter from MediaCom stating that there would be a change in the rate.

Teresa wanted to Thank Gary and his crew for the snow plowing of the street and repairing of water line breaks.

Teresa wanted to acknowledge that Byron has stripped, waxed and buffed all the floor in the municipal building.

Reports of Committees:
Police: Jay stated that he had nothing to report this month

Building and Park: Debi stated that she had nothing to report this month.

Sidewalks and Lights: Bill stated that he had been approached about an issue with birds perching under awnings in the downtown area.

Street and Alley: Gary just wanted to remind the citizens that if it snows to please park off the streets.

Water and Sewer: Dave stated that the new water rates are on this month water/sewer bills.

Finance: Jeron stated that the Dollar General Store has requested to lower their property tax assessment. Jeron stated that there is nothing for the Village to do at this time.

Development: Bill stated that there is an interest in the house that is for sale in the Park Meadow Subdivision (TIF 1), but the potential buyer is wanting to build a Pole Barn behind the house. In the Park Meadow Subdivision Rules the building can have a certain amount of square footage and the potential buyer proposed building will have more square footage than allowed. Teresa stated that maybe Alex Pleasant could give the Board some ideas on how to handle this issue.

Ad Hoc (Dilapidated/Unsafe Buildings): Teresa stated that Home Pride awards would be starting back-up in April. The committee will be meeting with Alex Pleasant for CCDA on February 14th at 3:30 pm. The next regular meeting is February 28th at 3:30 pm.

Motion by Jay, with a second by Dave, to pay the bills that were on the warranty list and any utility bills, bills that will incur a late charge or reimbursements to employees. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

There was one other item of business this month. Bill asked about the Trash Collection Bids. Teresa stated that Gary and Ladora will work on getting a bid package ready as soon as possible.

Motion by Jeron, with a second by Bill, to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 pm. Four (4) ayes & One (1) nay, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

 

Ladora Boyd