Skip to content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer

March 26, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes

MEMORANDA

SHIPSHEWANA TOWN COUNCIL

MARCH 26, 2020  6:00 P.M.

WOLFE BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM

345 N. Morton Street

Shipshewana, IN  46565

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Joshua A. Weimer, Tad T. Hite, Zachary J. Stoltzfus.

COUNCIL MEMBERS VIRTUALLY PRESENT (due to COVID-19):  C. Arlene Lazzaro, Elmer J. Mast.

Due to virtual participation all votes will be roll-call votes.

MOTION:  A motion passed to accept the agenda with flexibility.  AYES:  Elmer J. Mast, C. Arlene Lazzaro, Joshua A. Weimer, Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Tad T. Hite.  NAYS:  - 0 - and ABSTENTIONS: - 0 -.

POLICE REPORT:  The Department has gathered necessary supplies over the past 3 weeks to address the COVID-19 outbreak.  With the face mask shortage community members have made and donated face masks for emergency workers and doctor offices.  Sergeant Jasso recommended that we set up a Community Table in the Town Hall entry area with food and other necessary items that are free to the public.  Officers are taking their temperatures every 4 hours and we are only doing essential law enforcement.  A doorbell has been installed on the Police door and we are working on what the Governor’s Executive Order means for us as officers. 

OLD BUSINESS:  Storm Water Rates & Upgrade of Phone Lines:  Tabled.

CANCELLATION OF OUTSTANDING WARRANTS:  Pursuant to IC 5-11-10.5, all checks outstanding for a period of two years as of December 31, of each year are void.  The list prepared for Council approval reflects outstanding checks from 2016 and 2017 for a total amount of $2,555.81. 

MOTION:  A motion passed approving the Cancellation of Outstanding Warrants as presented from 2016 and 2017 for a total amount of $2,555.81.  AYES:  C. Arlene Lazzaro, Elmer J. Mast, Tad T. Hite, Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Joshua A. Weimer.  NAYS – 0 – and ABSTENTIONS:  - 0 -.

SUSPENSION OF WATER SHUT-OFFS & PENALTIES:  This will be addressed in an Ordinance later in the meeting, including waiving April and May penalties for Utility users. 

REIMBURSEMENT OF WOLFE BUILDING RENTALS DURING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS:  Normally in order to receive a refund a six-week notice is required for cancellation of a Wolfe Building Rental.  Due to COVID-19 the Wolfe Building has been closed and reimbursement for rentals are being made.

MOTION:  A motion passed approving the closure of the Wolfe Building and allowing rental refunds during the COVID-19 emergency.   AYES: C. Arlene Lazzaro, Elmer J. Mast, Tad T. Hite, Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Joshua A. Weimer.  NAYS: - 0 – and ABSTENTIONS: - 0 -.

CLAIMS PAYMENT OUTSIDE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS DURING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS:  Allowance for payment of claims outside of a Council meeting will be addressed in an Ordinance later this evening.

ADOPTION OF COVID-19 EMPLOYEE AND OPERATIONS POLICY:  This Ordinance waives normal procedural matters during the health crisis such as payment of claims, bank deposits, limiting public access to Town Buildings, water shut offs and penalties. 

MOTION:  A motion passed approving AN ORDINANCE SETTING OPERATION PROCEDURES DURING DECLARED STATE OF EMERGENCY CONCERNING THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS AND IMPLEMENTING CERTAIN CONTAINMENT COUNTERMEASURES (II-F-1-d(594).   AYES:  C. Arlene Lazzaro, Elmer J. Mast, Tad T. Hite, Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Joshua A. Weimer.  NAYS: - 0 - and ABSTENTIONS: - 0 -.

WAGE & SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT:  The Temporary Ordinance addresses employee pay along with working from home due to the COVID-19 virus and is consistent with Federal Law.    

MOTION:  A motion passed approving A TEMPORARY ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING PAID COVID-19 PAID TIME AND STAY-HOME PAY FOR CERTAIN TOWN EMPLOYEES.  (II-F-1-d(593).  AYES:  C. Arlene Lazzaro, Elmer J. Mast, Tad T. Hite, Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Joshua A. Weimer.  NAYS: - 0 - and ABSTENTIONS: - 0 -.

MOTION:  A motion passed suspending the rules for a second reading of all Ordinances.  AYES:  C. Arlene Lazzaro, Elmer J. Mast, Tad T. Hite, Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Joshua A. Weimer.  NAYS: - 0 – and ABSTENTIONS: - 0 -.

ATTORNEY REPORT:  Two new laws were passed that impact Town Utility Billing practices and procedures relating to landlords, tenants and sewer line extensions.  Permission to work with the Clerk-Treasurer and Town Manager was requested to address these law changes.

MOTION:  A motion passed authorizing the Town Attorney to work with the Clerk-Treasurer and Town Manager to modify the Sewer, Water, and Storm Water Billing Ordinances and Practices to be consistent with current law and to consider establishment of a sewer deposit.  AYES: C. Arlene Lazzaro, Elmer J. Mast, Tad T. Hite, Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Joshua A. Weimer.  NAYS: - 0 – and ABSTENTIONS: - 0 -.

TOWN MANAGER REPORT:  The SRMA has cancelled Mayfest due to the current health emergency.

FINANCIAL REPORT:  With the loss of jobs due to the COVID-19 virus we should expect a drop of revenue for the Town and approach our spending with caution.  A request for a motion to sign the March 12th Claims Register and approve the March 26th Claims Register was made.

MOTION:  A motion passed to sign the March 12th Claims Register and to approve the March 26th Claims Register.  AYES:  C. Arlene Lazzaro, Elmer J. Mast, Tad T. Hite, Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Joshua A. Weimer.  NAYS: - 0 – and ABSTENTIONS:  - 0 -.

G. Bachman expressed appreciation for the Town Manager’s attendance at a recent LaGrange County Redevelopment Commission meeting.

COUNCIL QUESTIONS OR REMARKS:  When will the new Public Restrooms be open.  Next Monday.  With Spring coming a reminder regarding the Town NO BURN Ordinance needs to be sent out.

IT DIRECTOR REPORT:  The Town is on Facebook and a Town Twitter account has been set up.  Work continues regarding the Town website update.

Discussion followed regarding the possibility of continuing virtual meetings if the public is interested.

MOTION:  A motion passed adjourning the meeting.  AYES:  C. Arlene Lazzaro, Elmer J. Mast, Tad T. Hite, Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Joshua A. Weimer.  NAYS: - 0 - and ABSTENTIONS: - 0 -.

________________________________________             _______________________________________

Tad T. Hite, Council President                                                     Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Council Vice-President

________________________________________              _______________________________________

Elmer J. Mast, Council Member                                              C. Arlene Lazzaro, Council Member

ATTEST:

________________________________________              _______________________________________

Ruth Ann Downey, Clerk-Treasurer                                        Joshua A. Weimer, Council Member

Council Meeting Recording