|
The Greenville Town Council passed three ordinances at their regular meeting, but the most significant seemed to be one involving the town attorney Rick Fox.
The council voted that should there be any legal disputes with the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Services, they would have to hire another attorney because of conflict of interest with Fox.
That is a real possibility considering that the town and the shelter are having a disagreement over animal control.
Greenville Council Vice President Randal Johnes said Floyd County Animal Control officer David Hall is trying to make local towns pay twice for the same service.
“(Hall) went in front of the commissioners, and tried to get them to sign a new inter-local agreement and they refused to do it,” he said. “To me there is a problem with this guy.
Johnes said the previous agreement, which was for animal service in the town, was signed in 2005 by the representatives of the Greenville council, the Floyd County Commissioners and The New Albany City Council.
“One party can’t just change it and that’s what he is trying to,” Johnes said. “What will happen, if the animal shelter refuses to honor that agreement, we will take them to court.”
Johnes said the change would have Greenville residents paying for something their county taxes already pay for.
“We passed this ordinance because we don’t want to lose Rick,” Johnes said. “As far as we are concerned, he is very valuable to the town of Greenville. That’s why we decided in this situation to hire another attorney should it get to that, so we don’t loose him.”
The council also passed a resolution to allow for the construction of a new building for the town’s water utility.
“We’ve got our building full and we have snow removal equipment and all kinds of stuff in there,” Johnes said. “It’s stuff that can be stored in an open space, so we are just going to fence in an area to make it secure. It’s the kind of stuff where weather is not going to hurt it.”
The council also approved money for the town marshal and the deputy for working off-duty hours.
The following are minutes from the council’s November meeting.
November 14th, 2011
Council President Talbotte Richardson called the regular monthly meeting to order. Other Councilpersons present were Bob Wright, James Pearce, Patti Hayes, and Randal Johnes, along with Clerk Jack Travillian. Also attending the meeting were Town Attorney Rick Fox, Water Utility Superintendent Getrost, Council Members Elect Darryl Kepley, Greg Redden and other concerned citizens. The meeting was opened with a prayer by Pastor Avery, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes: The amended minutes for August 8th Special meeting, the September 12th Regular meeting and the October 10th Regular meeting were discussed. Motion made by Councilman Johnes and seconded by Councilwoman Hayes to accept the minutes as amended. Motion passed 5-0.
Citizen of the Year Award:
Greenville Marshal’s Department Officer Tony Wisman was given the 2011 Citizen of the Year award. The Council recognizes the outstanding job Officer Wisman has done as a non-paid member of the Department. Officer Wisman has donated countless hours training, patrolling, and filing paper work to assist the Greenville Marshal’s Department.
Marshal Report:
Marshal Moore noted that the Marshal’s Department has seen a slight decrease in the number of tickets being issued, however, the Detective Division headed by Lt. Burkhart has been extremely busy. There has been several arrested and other investigations are pending.
Marshal Moore requested permission to follow up on an inquiry into obtaining a Humvee from government surplus. The only cost would be the transportation from Michigan. The Council questioned the need for the vehicle. Marshal Moore noted that the Marshal’s Department could use it in extreme weather conditions. Also after one year the vehicle could be sold with profits benefiting the department. The council granted permission to follow up and report back to the council for further consideration.
A citizen noted that a road sign on Harrison Street is in need of repair/replacement. Clerk Travillian will follow up with the problem.
Special Presentations: Engineer Jorge Lanz with Jacobi, Toombs, and Lanz presented the council with an update on ongoing projects, Water Tower, Pumping Station, and Sewage Treatment Plant Master Plan. Mr. Lanz presented a map with estimated locations of lines and booster stations for the proposed sewage treatment system.
Water Business:
Superintendent Getrost submitted monthly adjustments to the council. The board approved the adjustments for the bills without objection.
Financial:
Review/Approval Checks and Expenditures: Clerk Travillian presented the forms for the checks written from the utility and the town. The council had some questions about payment of invoices sent by Jacobi, Tomes and Lanz. The council voted to add any outstanding invoices to the monthly checks to be written. Motion passed 5-0.
Committee Reports:
Councilman Wright reported about drainage issues along Harrison Street beside the Greenville Park. The report was regarding water running across the street. Upon request by the council Councilman Wright stated he would volunteer his time and equipment to clean out the drainage ditch running North of Harrison Street,
Special Projects:
Councilman Johnes requested that the Town and Water Utility receive competitive bids for liability insurance cost for the 2013 budget. The town will need a loss/run summary for the past three years from our current carrier. Councilman Johnes stated this should have been done every year.
Councilman Johnes submitted monthly reports on the Water Tower and Sewage Plant Acquisition Projects.
New Business
Ordinance 2011-WO-060 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF HOLIDAY BONUS PAY FOR GREENVILLE WATER UTILITY EMPLOYEES 2011:
First reading was completed in the October 10th Monthly Meeting which motion passed 4-1. Second reading was completed 11-14. A motion was made by President Richardson and seconded by Councilman Johnes to accept the ordinance. Motion passed 5-0. Third reading was completed 11-14. A motion was made by Councilman Johnes and seconded by Councilwoman Hayes to accept the ordinance. Motion passed 5-0.
Ordinance 2011-WO-061 ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE PURCHASE OF A 5’ X 15’ X 6’ DOG KENNEL FOR THE GREENVILLE DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CONTROL AND A $25.00 RETRIEVAL FEE RETURN OF DOGS WITHIN THE TOWN OF GREENVILLE, INDIANA; First reading was completed in the October 10th Monthly Meeting which motion passed 4-1. Second reading was completed 11-14, amendments were made. A motion was made by Councilman Johnes and seconded by Councilwoman Hayes to accept the amended ordinance. Motion passed 5-0. Third reading was completed 11-14. A motion was made by Councilman Johnes and seconded by Councilwoman Hayes to accept the amended ordinance. Motion passed 5-0.
Ordinance 2011-TO-062; ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM VARIOUS TOWN OF GREENVILLE, INDIANA OPERATING ACCOUNTS TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT OPERATING FUNDS FOR THE REMAINDER OF FISCAL YEAR 2011 FOR THE TOWN OF GREENVILLE; First reading of the ordinance was completed and motion was made for unanimous consent by President Richardson and seconded by Councilman Johnes. Motion passed (5-0). Second reading was completed. A motion was made by Councilman Johnes and seconded by President Richardson to accept the ordinance. Motion passed 5-0. Third reading was completed. A motion was made by President Richardson and seconded by Councilwoman Hayes to accept the ordinance. Motion passed 5-0.
Ordinance 2011-WR-063 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM AND PUBLIC NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR THE GREENVILLE WATER UTILITY OF GREENVILLE, INDIANA; Reading of the resolution was completed. A motion was made by President Richardson and seconded by Councilman Johnes to accept the resolution. Motion passed 5-0.
Ordinance 2011-TR-064 RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE PURCHASE OF SIGNS FOR THE GREENVILLE MARSHAL DEPARTMENT AND DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CONTROL OF THE TOWN OF GREENVILLE, INDIANA; Reading of the resolution was completed. A motion was made by Councilman Johnes seconded by President Richardson to accept the resolution. Motion passed 5-0.
Ordinance 2011-WO-066 ORDINANCE FOR MERIT AND COST OF LIVING INCREASES FOR THE GREENVILLE WATER UTILITY EMPLOYEES FOR THE YEAR OF 2012 OF THE GREENVILLE MUNICPAL WATER UTILITY GREENVILLE, INDIANA; First reading of the ordinance was completed and motion was made for unanimous consent by President Richardson and seconded by Councilman Johnes. Motion passed (5-0). Second reading was completed. A motion was made by Councilman Johnes and seconded by Councilwoman Hayes to accept the ordinance. Motion passed 5-0. Third reading was completed. A motion was made by President Richardson and seconded by Councilwoman Hayes to accept the ordinance. Motion passed 5-0.
No further business coming before the Council the meeting was adjourned. |
