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 -.
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Tad T. Hite, Council President Zachary J. Stoltzfus, Council Vice-President
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Elmer J. Mast, Council Member C. Arlene Lazzaro, Council Member
ATTEST:
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Ruth Ann Downey, Clerk-Treasurer Joshua A. Weimer, Council Member
