[0:01] All right, we are good to go. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome

[0:05] to the council meeting. Uh if you'll join me, we'll stand for the pledge of

[0:08] allegiance and a word of prayer. Officially call this meeting to

[0:14] pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the

[0:19] republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and

[0:26] justice for all. Father, we thank you for this opportunity to meet in your

[0:30] presence. We ask your blessings over our meeting that you give us wisdom and

[0:34] guidance. Help us to be good stewards of the resources that have been entrusted

[0:38] to us that we might make sound decisions, wise decisions that benefit

[0:43] the folks of the entire town. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. You may be seated.

[0:48] Thank you. We're a little short this evening. Our

[0:53] town clerk is in Indianapolis or that area for training with the state board

[0:57] of accounts and Matt had a prior commitment that he could not get out of.

[1:02] So, uh, with two of us here, we do have quorum. So, we're okay to make

[1:07] decisions. So, uh, Chanty, first of all, we have the minutes from our Tuesday,

[1:12] June 9th meeting. I looked through those minutes. I did not see any changes or

[1:17] corrections. Uh, we had a lot in that meeting that evening. Um, what is your

[1:22] desire? >> Would you move that we approve?

[1:25] » I move we approve. >> And I'll second. All in favor say I.

[1:29] » I. Those opposed, same sign.

[1:33] We'll just go ahead and sign this right now.

[1:40] So that we make sure we have everything done.

[1:50] Okay. We also have the minutes from our June 17th uh executive session. Um

[1:59] and those minutes are very brief. Um they were to discuss real properties.

[2:05] » Um any questions or comments on those? Okay.

[2:08] » I approve. >> I would move that we approve. I'll

[2:10] second that. >> All in favor say I. I. Those opposed,

[2:14] same sign.

[2:26] And then we also have our minutes from our July 7th executive session uh where

[2:33] we talked about a variety of issues but uh staffing and a couple of real

[2:38] properties. Any questions or comments on those?

[2:41] » I'll make a motion to approve >> and I will second. Those in favor say I.

[2:46] » I. Those oppose same sign.

[2:55] Okay, good. Thank you. That's done. All right, we have uh several guests

[3:03] with us this evening. Jeff Row from Baker Tilly. Come on down.

[3:16] Good evening. Thanks for being here. >> Uh Jeff Rob with Baker Tilly. Appreciate

[3:23] the invitation this evening. Um just here to introduce myself and be

[3:28] available to answer any questions uh as it relates to proposal that we've

[3:33] submitted to the town council for uh well to assist the town with the utility

[3:39] water studies. um had the privilege of working uh for the town in the past on

[3:46] similar engagements over the years. Um >> I think the last one landed in 2021.

[3:53] » I think that's right. >> Somewhere around there. Um so yeah our

[3:58] our team is uh really uh focused exclusively on working with local

[4:03] government myself public utilities and doing these types of analysis whether it

[4:08] be rate studies or helping to fund capital projects through the issuance of

[4:14] bonds and other financial planning services for municipalities. So um been

[4:19] doing that for about 28 years now. a little while very familiar with this

[4:25] area. Our office is in Mishawaka, not too far away. Um, so we're we're fairly

[4:31] local and um, yeah, appreciate the opportunity to submit to you and we be

[4:36] happy to answer I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

[4:39] » I I don't know that I have any. I have looked through the this would be my

[4:44] first time through a rate study like this. So, um, I don't have any questions

[4:49] in particular. I know Myra um worked well with you folks the last time and I

[4:55] do know that when I've been to the AN meetings you come highly recommended and

[5:00] uh I've enjoyed meeting your folks there. So yeah and I do know this is

[5:05] something we need to do as well. Um >> yeah a little bit about the fee uh would

[5:11] be what we're proposing is time expense. So it just be based on the amount of

[5:16] time it takes to put into it. We do have a cap of 6,000 per utility.

[5:21] » Um, you know, whether we get there sort of sometimes depends on number of

[5:25] meetings and sort of thing. But, uh, but yeah, based on time and expense and

[5:30] obviously we always try to be um, you know, as as efficient as we can, but

[5:36] want to be thorough obviously getting what you what you're expecting.

[5:41] » And I'm assuming you folks will use the master utility study that we had done as

[5:45] part of that. >> Yeah. So what we take a little bit about

[5:49] what we look at it's it's comprehensive. So we you know do a look we do a look

[5:53] back in terms of how the utility has performed financially. Um so we look at

[5:59] cash position making sure cash position is adequate. I know you have outstanding

[6:04] debt. So there's always reserve cash reserve requirements that you're

[6:08] required to maintain. So we look at that, make recommendations around cash

[6:13] management and then obviously we look at uh you know your current rate structure

[6:17] and whether it's sufficient to meet your uh anticipated costs coming down down

[6:22] the road both by way of day-to-day operating costs but also uh the master

[6:28] plan or capital plan that you have looking at um you know your your your

[6:34] needs assessment as far as capital projects and then we would make some

[6:38] recommendations in terms of um whether financing might make sense, you know,

[6:44] issuance of debt to support those high priority projects or how much can we

[6:50] afford to do on a pay pay go basis or a combination of the two. So yeah,

[6:55] absolutely we'll take that into account uh and help sort of navigate how we pay

[6:59] for those type projects. >> How often should we or do we do a rate

[7:06] study like you're proposing? Yeah. Uh we recommend I mean we have a lot of

[7:12] communities we work with take a look every year. Um but you know we would say

[7:16] on a minimum every three years. >> Okay.

[7:19] » To look at rates um especially with the environment we've seen since 2020.

[7:24] » Yeah. >> Uh with the inflationary environment

[7:27] that we've seen and increases in cost um and not to mention SCA1 and the things

[7:35] you know in terms of how that's impacting communities. doesn't impact

[7:38] utilities necessarily directly but utilities can be in some cases part of

[7:43] that solution. >> Sure.

[7:44] » Um so yeah every three years we I would say at a minimum if not more frequent

[7:49] than that >> and we have we are well past the

[7:52] threeear for us. Yeah. >> And I do know too we've been um thankful

[7:57] that we've been able to hold our rates um at a very market competitive rate.

[8:03] However, there's a catch 22 to that because those rates are what generate

[8:07] the money to do improvements and repairs and all of those things. So, um you have

[8:13] to balance the two with how do you keep your rates affordable for your residents

[8:17] and yet build enough capital to pay for those repairs and enhancements you'd

[8:23] like to make. some >> competing forces. U and usually what

[8:26] we'll do is well not usually what we will perform if you contract part of the

[8:31] study we look at other utilities of similar size kind of how you compare um

[8:38] not as a reason to adjust rates but just sort of like baseline on how you compare

[8:43] to others. >> Um and it won't surprise me wouldn't

[8:46] surprise me if you're on the lower end. Um but you know like you said over time

[8:51] we see kind of le August projects come on and communities

[8:57] have to face those capitals.

[9:01] We'll see adjustments and rates and eventually catch up with kind of where

[9:04] the other communities are. >> Okay. Chanty, any questions?

[9:09] » Not at this time. >> Okay. Well, I would move that we approve

[9:14] this master services agreement and the statement of work with Baker Tilly to do

[9:18] our rate study. >> Okay. Got a motion. I'll second that.

[9:24] All in favor say I. >> I.

[9:26] » Those opposed, same sign. And I will say I as well. I will sign this. What I'll

[9:32] do is sign this and give it to Myra and then she can follow up.

[9:35] » That's perfect. Yep, that'll be perfect. And we'll uh we'll go ahead and get kind

[9:40] of a starting kickoff call started schedule with Myra talk through our

[9:45] approach, talk about deliverables. >> Perfect.

[9:51] certain deadlines typically takes us about 30 days to get through the through

[9:58] the study. So just kind of give you a sense of time.

[10:01] » That's probably what we're looking at unless you need it sooner than that. We

[10:04] can try to accelerate it if possible. >> Excellent. Thank you so much. Appreciate

[10:08] you being here. >> Thank you. Appreciate it.

[10:10] » Absolutely. >> All right. Uh next guests, forgive me,

[10:17] Jesse and Matt, come on down.

[10:27] And if you would state your names because we're on camera. Yeah.

[10:30] » Jess, >> thank you.

[10:34] » So, we're here about Pearson. >> Okay.

[10:38] » It didn't run this year. We would like to take it over and get it

[10:42] going again. Wonderful. >> Because the community needs it.

[10:45] » Absolutely. you know, kids need somewhere to go

[10:49] so they're not in trouble. Um, we contacted Chris.

[10:54] » Yeah. I Well, I talked to Matt actually and he gave me Chris's number.

[10:58] » Yeah. >> Um, I called Chris. Chris and I had

[11:01] great conversations for about two weeks. Um, we were going to set up a meeting.

[11:07] Um, and then he was going to show us around the facilities. He said he still

[11:10] had keys. We're going to discuss the maintenance, what we responsible for.

[11:15] I'm going to come down to we discussed the funds. I said we'd like to have

[11:19] whatever he has left. Um and he said he was if we didn't want it, they were

[11:25] going to donate it to Wick High School. Um once they absorbed the uh nonprofit

[11:30] and got all that, got rid of all that. Um and after that, he was supposed he

[11:35] was supposed to meet us one night and show us around. Um he contacted me. He

[11:39] had something come up with the high school basketball team and coaches. Um,

[11:43] I've texted him four or five times since then. I've called three or four times

[11:47] and he has pretty much gone no contact. >> Okay.

[11:51] Thank you for being here tonight. I am so pleased that we have somebody who

[11:55] stepped up and wants to do our Pearson use league. That's incredible. I can

[12:00] tell you I just had a call from Matt right before this meeting started. I

[12:04] asked Matt to reach out to Chris St. and the reason is Matt's kind of been the

[12:08] one coordinating the information flow. Uh Matt called me just before this

[12:13] meeting started and said, "If you will leave your phone numbers for Matt

[12:17] tonight, he has gotten Chris to commit to meet and get everything transferred

[12:22] over to you folks." >> And so Matt will coordinate that for

[12:26] you. But I'm thrilled that you're willing to take it over for us and get

[12:30] something started back here at Pearston. We have a wonderful facility up there

[12:34] and it needs to be used. It needs to be used for our kids.

[12:36] » Yes. So, make sure you leave me your phone numbers, both of you. And Matt

[12:41] said he would get that coordinated for you.

[12:44] » Excellent. >> Thanks, guys.

[12:47] » Yes. Thank you so much.

[13:20] and we will support you however we can. >> I appreciate that.

[13:24] » Absolutely. Thanks for being here. Thanks for coming. Thanks for stepping

[13:27] up. >> Excellent. Mr. Doug Gregory,

[13:33] come on down.

[13:39] » Thank you, sir.

[13:45] » Thank you for the opportunity to be here this evening to talk to you. Um, we have

[13:50] three committee proposals. I'm Doug Rick from Bridge Heritage Association, PH. We

[13:55] have three committee proposals that we would like the town to consider. Um,

[13:59] I've given you the the specific proposals and some remarks remarks will

[14:03] be a little abbreviated. Um in including your package I put in a memorandum

[14:09] understanding draft and also statement

[14:15] funds that we have at Casio County Community Foundation which we fund

[14:20] things for well right now for the physical assets that the town has

[14:25] accepted the responsibility to maintain. So we set this up in 25 and the county

[14:32] has agreed to maintain our physical assets in return. We will provide funds

[14:38] through the KCCF permanent endowment that towns forever as long as it's

[14:44] needed. This partnership is working exactly the way we thought it would. Um

[14:49] the only thing we didn't do is reduce it to writing and um we won't be here 20

[14:54] years from now and the still will be here. Hopefully

[15:00] will still be standing there. So we just like to to have that reduced to

[15:07] included the draft in here ownership authorship don't care

[15:19] if you want to also include the non permanent fund

[15:26] that's fine too. the town has access to that specific thing that have to do with

[15:31] the history of the town. So if you would like to include that in a

[15:38] do that any comments about that? >> I I think as we move forward whether we

[15:44] do it now or later we probably should go ahead and have a memorandum

[15:48] understanding for the non-permanent fund as well.

[15:51] » Do you want me to submit another draft or is this or have you seen this? Yeah,

[15:57] you had shared this with me before. Yeah. Um Tammy, what are your thoughts?

[16:02] » I mean, I did take a look at this draft that you were asking and I think this is

[16:07] fine. You know, I wouldn't see a problem with maybe just adding a paragraph to

[16:12] this memorandise

[16:20] that way. But otherwise, I didn't have any concerns about this.

[16:23] » Good. >> Okay. Well, thank you.

[16:24] » Yeah. And I um just so you're aware, I am constantly keeping my eyes and ears

[16:30] open for a space a space that we could use for the Pearson Heritage

[16:35] Association. And uh nothing has transpired yet, but we keep looking. So

[16:42] » we're constantly waiting for you to find

[16:47] » it's a nice problem to have that we don't have space, but that's the

[16:51] problem. We don't have space. Second approach was town representation

[16:56] on a board. Um like every healthy organization

[17:01] has a plan for the future and since our last graduating class from high schools

[17:06] 1971 our membership is declining and source

[17:10] of alumni to serve on the board. Um and we would like to start thinking

[17:19] right now about breaking community representation on board

[17:26] right now um within the next six months if possible.

[17:31] Um this strengthens the the relationship that we're developing and ensures all

[17:37] our resources are dedicated serving the entire community which is part of our

[17:42] mission. We bring the community into our mission and

[17:46] We think that that'll be helpful because sooner or later somebody will have to

[17:52] run. >> I think the township really is

[17:58] a town asset and so people that are involved in that can help out

[18:04] tremendously. So request that you work with us over

[18:10] the next six months and try to find two people at least would be willing to

[18:14] serve on the work. >> There's a couple of things we can do um

[18:18] to put out work for volunteers much like we've done for other opportunities. Um

[18:23] Myra can send out a reach alert. Um we can also put something in the monthly

[18:28] utility bills, but it really we'd like to find a couple of people from the town

[18:33] um to serve. So we can start just spreading the word and see if we can get

[18:37] a couple of people to volunteer to sit on that

[18:39] » board.

[18:42] trying to spread that word. It's a little tough.

[18:45] » Yeah. >> Yeah.

[18:48] » Thank you.

[18:54] Third proposal's

[18:57] always been a crossroads. Everybody knows about the crossroads and

[19:05] we've got some good signage on clearly. I don't have anything on 13. One thing

[19:09] that we haven't done yet is have the potential for a downtown mural

[19:15] and it's time to do that. Um, a lot of our small towns around us, Midtown,

[19:21] all have murals all over the place and those are more than just a piece of art.

[19:29] It's it's a place that people will come and look at it as a destination piece

[19:34] that that can reflect the character and the history of the town. Um, and and I

[19:40] think it'd be a welcome addition for citizens and and a real asset for both

[19:44] businesses. So, we would like for you to partner

[19:47] with us to find a location and um maybe establish a joint planning committee

[19:53] with us to to identify um how we might move forward that project. If you're

[20:00] interested, if you do want to move forward, uh, PHA is willing to provide

[20:05] the historical research, help with theme development, and encourage, uh,

[20:09] community participation and fundraising. Um, our preliminary analysis suggests,

[20:16] uh, you know, like we would envision cost between 12 and $15,000

[20:22] and maybe less than that. But I'm just going for the upside. Um, if you do

[20:27] decide to move forward and begin with it, PHA will match the first $1,000

[20:32] that's collected from local businesses and people.

[20:36] » Any questions? >> How have those murals been paid for in

[20:40] other communities? Grants. Okay.

[20:50] » But still, there's ways to do that.

[20:56] We have access to seller who knows how to do things. So we feel like we'll be

[21:02] able to find something. We would like to get some community too.

[21:06] » Sure.

[21:10] » Oh yeah.

[21:17] » Yeah. >> I I've been really impressed with the

[21:23] ones I've seen in other towns. I think we probably have a couple of locations

[21:26] that would be good spots for one. Um I I don't know why we couldn't put this

[21:33] out to the community also to see if there are community community members

[21:37] that would want to donate as well as some of our business community may want

[21:41] to donate. Um, what I would recommend is move forward

[21:47] with selecting a location and come back with a final actual proposal for not

[21:53] only what the mural would be uh but the location and then an estimated cost and

[21:58] then we can um decide what action if any the town needs to take.

[22:05] Um, if you're looking at if you're looking at an individual business

[22:11] building, I would assume that um they'll have a

[22:16] lot of input into what would be painted on the side of their building. Um, so

[22:22] yeah, that would be my recommendation. I personally am all for it. I think they

[22:27] make the town beautiful. Uh it's always an interesting conversation piece and um

[22:32] draws people downtown especially in the summer. So

[22:37] » we will then we'll begin preliminary

[22:41] effort to identify what we need to >> Yeah.

[22:48] Yeah. And then I mean put the word out to the community. Anybody who'd be

[22:52] interested in being on that committee um would be welcome. I'm assuming you're

[22:58] looking for all the input you can get. So,

[23:01] » yeah. All right. I think the one thing we need

[23:05] to do is we need to officially approve the memorandum of understanding.

[23:09] Correct. >> Unless it's going to be modified.

[23:11] » Oh, it's going to be modified.

[23:15] » Okay. Yeah. Send us a modified one then. And

[23:19] » yeah, and we can approve it next month in that committee. All right. Thank you,

[23:22] Doug. Appreciate the information.

[23:28] All right. Um,

[23:34] reports, streets, water, sewer updates. Noah, come on down.

[23:46] Welcome to your first meeting. >> Uh, the streets uh right now the lift

[23:51] station on our home. Um, we got one pump back in, fixed the

[23:56] floats that were causing them to drain out. Um, the second pump, we just

[24:01] received that back today. So, we'll install that hopefully by this

[24:06] week. Um, we do have one more pump over right now as far as

[24:14] the cost is $4,500.

[24:18] And so, I would like to get that fixed. >> Yes. and we um you let us know about

[24:25] that. Myra did let us know about that. It's something we have to do. So,

[24:29] Chanty, I would move that we approve that expenditure for $4,500 for that

[24:34] repair. >> Got a motion and a second. All in favor

[24:37] say I. Those opposed. Thank you. Approved.

[24:42] One other thing from those stations the service that they offer is

[24:48] pressure washerite

[24:52] everything that's built up over the years to my knowledge since I've been

[24:56] here done um even with her mom she highly recommends it with all the debris

[25:04] in this last home um it was $1,200 roughly

[25:10] » three hours both of those stations just as

[25:14] preventative to help remove the wipes and just everything.

[25:18] » So, I ask for

[25:22] » I think for me that's a no-brainer. It needs to be done. It we've talked about

[25:26] it before. Um and it's $1,25. That's pretty cheap insurance with as

[25:32] many repairs as we're having to make. So, if we can do this and then what I

[25:36] would suggest is add it to your schedule and let's make it at least twice a year

[25:42] um to keep things cleaned up so that hopefully will help impact the number of

[25:46] repairs. So, Chanty, I would move that we approve this quote from Weed for

[25:50] cleaning um the the two lift stations and investigate the panel at the north

[25:56] lift station. $1,25. >> I agree.

[26:00] » Okay. Second. >> Okay. All in favor say I. I. Those

[26:05] opposed. Same sign approved.

[26:11] » Okay.

[26:20] » Excellent.

[26:27] » Excellent.

[26:31] days to pull out a little mulch, sell all mulch in here. Friday morning, we'll

[26:38] be shutting down East Market to Washington.

[26:46] So, if there's any cars there before starting up and then we'll be set up for

[26:54] the car show.

[27:00] » Okay. And to let you know, Baker's supposed to

[27:03] be bringing the trailer for Friday night. Which side?

[27:09] » As far as I know, it's going to be probably more towards

[27:14] the south side. >> South

[27:17] everything will be on the side tracks. I think it's going to be that area.

[27:24] That's the plan.

[27:28] » Okay. What other things have you been working on?

[27:30] » Uh, we got the part. We got everything done

[27:35] pulled out so they can install the rentals.

[27:42] Our station on street is running full. >> Wonderful. Um, other than

[27:54] » Well, I want to commend you on doing exactly what I asked you to do when

[27:58] Casey left us, and that is for right now just keep the town running. And you've

[28:03] been doing an exceptional job, and I appreciate it. And, uh, we're in the

[28:06] process of deciding how we want to fill that position and what we want to do.

[28:11] Um, and just keep up the good work. And oh, by the way, one other thing.

[28:18] » Twigs and sticks pick up. >> Yes.

[28:21] » Have you made any progress in getting those things picked up?

[28:23] » We got a few done this week. We're working on our tools down right now.

[28:29] So, we're getting that fixed. >> Okay. Once that's smaller piles before

[28:34] that, but bigger piles once we back. >> Okay.

[28:37] » We'll be in that hopefully before this. >> Okay. Excellent. Thank you very much.

[28:42] Appreciate it.

[28:45] Mr. Phil, come on down. >> Quick.

[28:53] » Just a real quick update. I don't have a whole lot, but the reserves are

[28:59] certified to the academy now. So, we're pretty happy they're out kill train now.

[29:03] It'll probably take at least a year before they're solo patrol. But just

[29:07] think we'll have a uh update on the ordinances.

[29:12] Uh the health department came out on June 24th and condemned Mr. Stall's

[29:18] properties for various health violations. The trash pile on First

[29:23] Street was cleaned up by the health department and we also demolitioned the

[29:28] third street garage. So that's all done by the county health department. So just

[29:33] quick update on that and pushing forward on that but it takes a little bit of

[29:39] time. I was contacted last week um by Mr. Stall in Canada Construction.

[29:47] They're in the process of purchasing all Mr. S's properties.

[29:57] Nobody should be home properties at all unless they're construction.

[30:01] Everything's boarded up. They're in the process of cleaning everything up,

[30:04] getting it all taken care of right now. I just want to give everybody a bit of a

[30:11] and then with everybody else in town, I just want to say a huge, huge thank you

[30:16] to everybody. I know it's uncomfortable when

[30:21] the three of us, one of us show up and want to talk to you about things. Um,

[30:26] and I just want to say thank you for having your attitude and your

[30:30] compliance. I mean, it's just through the roof. Everybody just apply and

[30:35] various levels of it. not having a way to flat out tell us no and I appreciate

[30:39] that I didn't want to be rude about it when we first started that was my

[30:43] biggest thing so I'm super pleased with the progress I make everybody else

[30:48] » excellent >> and then my last thing is just reminder

[30:52] of Pearson days a ton of pedestrian traffic please drive slowly pay

[30:57] attention have tons of patience and I'm sure we'll see you guys

[31:03] » excellent thank you very

[31:11] Parks and Recreation Committee. Miss Carla, come on down.

[31:17] » So, we had an amazing workday. Um, a lot of people showed up. We had that entire

[31:24] park mulched in. That's that's 20 plus people showing up

[31:29] to do amazing things for our community. Huge thank you to Noah. We could not

[31:34] have done that had Noah and his team not got all of that gravel removed. Um it

[31:38] took them what, two, three days? A lot of time getting that gravel removed. Um

[31:43] we got mulch down. We have signs on three signs on Seventh Street. One sign

[31:48] on 13, two on 7th and 350. Um there's new no smoking beyond this point signs

[31:55] down there. There is the water fountains working. Uh flowers were donated by

[32:00] Horizon. So they're planted down there. We have more to plant. Um the disc golf

[32:06] course done by Katon completely finished. It is ready to be played on.

[32:11] Um the sign out front uh we painted today. Don't touch it. It's probably

[32:17] still wet. Um to-dos. So we have the flag pole still due, but Chris is on

[32:23] that. He um is going to be out doing stuff to school um this next week. So

[32:29] he's going to squeeze the flag pole in there. Um,

[32:34] we have the sign to hang the rules sign which we have. It is in our possession.

[32:40] Um, but I have to ask guys. Um, there is that tree, couple trees

[32:49] that have all grown together where the sign is in the park.

[32:53] » Okay. >> Um, it's covering the sign as it is. Um,

[32:57] so can we take the trees out? I have already have Noah said he'll take them

[33:03] down for us. And then Philips Tree Service said they will completely grind

[33:06] that stump out for us right now. It blocks the park. It blocks the sign. It

[33:10] is a huge ice. Can I take that tree out?

[33:15] » I would have no problem with that. I know exactly where you're talking about.

[33:18] Um it's just overgrown. >> It's like overgrown. Like maybe at one

[33:22] point it should have been like shrubbery and it's just it's huge and to cut it

[33:27] down just halfway will just look worse. >> Yeah. So, um,

[33:30] » do we have a cost from Phillips for grinding the stump up?

[33:34] » He is going to donate his time and do it.

[33:37] » Great. >> I I would be all in favor of it.

[33:40] » Yes. >> All in favor? Let's make a motion to

[33:43] approve that. I'll make a motion to approve.

[33:45] » I'll second. >> Got a second. All in favor say I.

[33:48] » I. >> I. Approve.

[33:50] » Um, >> I like free.

[33:56] » I like free. >> Great. Um, so the other thing that I

[34:02] gave you guys a little handout, um, Josiah did that for us. He went through

[34:09] the park um, and he has experience in this and went through the park and

[34:13] pointed out a lot of things that were, um, not exactly unsafe, but needed to be

[34:18] safer, you know, and so I would like permission to reach out to a couple

[34:23] organizations and ask for grants to help fix some of the stuff in our park. Some

[34:28] of the things I would like to specifically fix are um the

[34:32] amphitheater, the wood benches, and as you can see on there, the broken fixed

[34:37] on the amphitheater. Um the edging in the park around the beautiful playground

[34:42] that we just launched. Um we don't have any ADA compliant play

[34:48] equipment in our park. I would like to try to get a grant for something for

[34:53] disabled um children specifically. Um there's nothing in our that is compliant

[34:58] for them.

[35:03] » I am always in favor of grant money um money that we can get that's free to us

[35:09] and it just takes some leg work. So I would move chanty that we approve um

[35:15] moving allowing the committee to move forward with seeking grants to take care

[35:19] of these issues at the park. >> I'll second that.

[35:23] » Got a motion and a second. All in favor say I.

[35:26] » I. Those opposed, same sign. This is excellent, by the way. Uh, thank you,

[35:32] Josiah. You did a great job. This is excellent because it really identifies

[35:38] um not only what he identified as low priority, high priority, and then just

[35:43] needs to be done priority. Um, but this is excellent and many of these things

[35:48] are are visible, but some of them you wouldn't know unless you went and

[35:52] looked. And so, thank you for making it clear. So yeah, go for it.

[35:58] » The only other thing I have is that I super app

[36:08] wants to has ideas for the park, anything like that, come talk to me. I

[36:12] guarantee you somebody in the house has a comfort. So, um, yeah, if you could

[36:18] just come on and talk to me, give me some ideas, jump in, do the work, you

[36:22] know, and really, really appreciative of Alita and of Georgia because they're my

[36:28] other members of this board and they they're my backbone here. So, that's all

[36:33] I have. >> Excellent. Thank you for the update.

[36:35] Appreciate it. Good work. Um, who's here from the chamber? George, are you on the

[36:41] chamber? And Doc, would you folks um try to coordinate a ribbon cutting ceremony

[36:47] for our pickle ball courts and basketball court?

[36:51] » I think we're doing >> We're going to do that, but I want to

[36:53] get >> Okay, excellent. Um because that's

[36:56] something that needs to be done. >> Yeah.

[36:59] » Yeah. Um and then also invite the Kaziasco County Chamber to come. Uh, I

[37:05] took my grandkids up to the park to play pickle ball and it's wonderful. Um, but

[37:11] the park is looking so much better and thank you to everybody, everybody who

[37:15] helped and supported.

[37:19] » Excellent. Excellent. All right. Um, clerk's report. Myra did leave me some

[37:26] information. We already had Jeff and Jesse and Matt. Uh, Mr. Gregory. Um,

[37:34] we have Chanty a quote for a new pump at the lift station at the Arnold location.

[37:40] The quote for the new pump uh was $14,794.50.

[37:46] Noah got that quote for us. The issue is both current pumps are out of service,

[37:53] right? >> Obsolete.

[37:58] » Yeah, they're both working right now. Um is it Kester?

[38:03] » Kester. >> It has repaired the pump which has been

[38:05] installed. Um Weed's been pumping the lift station while it was not working

[38:09] and also replace the F floats which we had extra on hand. Nipkco was called as

[38:14] the pump was not receiving power. They found the issue was in the substation.

[38:18] Everything seems to be working well now. Um Noah will let us know if the new pump

[38:24] needs to be ordered. I just asked Noah before the meeting what the lead time is

[38:28] for one of those new pumps and he said probably 30 to 60 days. So the issue

[38:34] becomes if we have a pump go down and we don't have one to replace it then we're

[38:40] down another pump. So the question becomes where would Myra pull the 14

[38:45] almost $15,000 from and do we just go ahead and order a new pump to have it

[38:51] here for when we need it? So, I think for right now, uh, let's table this

[38:56] until Myra is back and I can confirm where the money would come from. Um, but

[39:02] then let's bring it to the next meeting and see if we should go ahead and get it

[39:05] ordered, get it in place. So, we'll table this one for now, but thank you

[39:10] for getting the information and for keeping those running as best you can.

[39:18] Um,

[39:23] uh, industrial filter manufacturer sent us a quote for filter replacements as

[39:27] part of a regular maintenance of the wastewater plant. The last time the

[39:31] filters were replaced was in April of 25. And that quote is for $1,524

[39:39] to replace those filters. And I would recommend that we replace those far. Got

[39:45] a motion and a second. All in favor say I.

[39:48] » I. Those opposed, same signed. Got it.

[39:56] Okay. Um,

[40:03] that one we already talked about. Um, is it Ebapar?

[40:10] Noah. Ebapar provided a quote for work on the wastewater plant generator. says,

[40:14] "Please direct questions to Noah on this." Um, it's a quote for $1,261.75,

[40:22] » I believe. >> Yeah. And so what is that for?

[40:25] » Um, repairs on the generator.

[40:29] » On the generator itself. Gotcha.

[40:35] » Oh, yeah. Okay. Here it is. Again, this is maintenance work that needs to be

[40:40] done. I would recommend that we approve this quote for $1,261

[40:46] or3.73. Got a motion and a second. All in favor

[40:51] say I. >> I. Those opposed, same sign.

[40:56] Got it. Approved. Took care of that one.

[41:02] Care of that one. We tabled the big one till we confirmed. And we took care of

[41:07] that one. Okay. All taken care of. um received a

[41:19] the it says the BSM group has provided the information included in the

[41:23] documents. It's just an email uh BSM group um asking about permitting and

[41:31] uh ordinances

[41:36] um unsure of what they need. area plan

[41:39] thought they wanted locates, but that's not the case. They said they need

[41:43] confirmation on the right ofway permitting process.

[41:47] Um, I'm not sure what they need either from this. Tammy, did you happen to see

[41:53] » I actually was hoping maybe Noah would be able to comment on that. I did read

[41:57] what they sent and I mean it looks like they're asking, you know, seeking a

[42:01] permit to um basically bore into the rideway, you know, the town's rideway

[42:07] where would be under utilities likely putting this is for cable I think and

[42:12] know I don't know if you know >> okay but I think that's what they're

[42:16] asking to do and I do recall I'm not an expert on this but I do recall in case

[42:21] of talking previously about issuing permits for um access to the rideways by

[42:26] other utilities do you recall that >> okay

[42:31] » okay >> and it does look like it's Comcast

[42:35] » yeah so I think that's what they're asking to I mean, I think that based on

[42:39] what they've submitted, you could certainly approve this, but then maybe

[42:43] need to um work with Noah to maybe go through some of the the procedures and

[42:48] paperwork that that you have at your office to see what needs to be submitted

[42:51] back to them. >> Okay. Um yeah, I'm in favor of approving

[42:55] it. Uh it's in the industrial park, right?

[42:57] » Yeah. I would move that we approve their request um

[43:02] based on the information they've submitted.

[43:06] » I'll second. Okay, got a motion and a second. All in favor say I.

[43:10] » I. Those opposed, same sign. >> Okay. Um, just a reminder that the

[43:17] clerk's office is closed until Thursday. The staff is attending the state board

[43:20] of accounts call to a meeting. Oh, they're in Michigan City. I thought they

[43:24] were in Indie. Um, the due date for bills will be extended and late fees

[43:28] will not be calculated until Friday the 17th. Um,

[43:33] next monthly council meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 11th at uh 6:30

[43:39] p.m. Pearson Days will be held on July 17th and 18th. Tomato Festival will be

[43:44] held from 10 to 4 on August 22nd. Okay. The last agenda item we have is

[43:52] the monthly accounts payable vouchers um to approved. Uh did look through these.

[43:58] I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Did have one question. They

[44:01] were a little higher this month. And Myra answered my question on the cost.

[44:06] The total for the month is $321,782.117.

[44:11] And the amount is larger just this month due to the sewer board payment, sewer

[44:16] bond payment. And I that was specifically what I asked about. So I

[44:22] would move that we approve the payables as submitted.

[44:27] » I'll second. >> Got a motion and a second. All in favor

[44:30] say I. >> I.

[44:31] » I. Those opposed, same sign. All right.

[44:37] All right. Now, we're ready for any citizen comments, concerns, questions,

[44:42] anyone at all? Thank you all for being here. This is

[44:47] wonderful. I appreciate it. Fellas, thank you again for Pearston Use League

[44:51] interest. Matt will get you a meeting coordinated. I would move that we

[44:54] officially adjourn this meeting of the Pearson Town Council.

[44:58] Got a motion and a second. All in favor say I.

[45:01] » I. Done. Thank you.

Council Meeting 7/14/2026

Transcript