MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY
BRAZIL, INDIANA
FOR APRIL 25, 2018
A meeting with the Board of Public Works was held on April 25, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers of the Brazil City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Ruthann Jeffries.
ROLL CALL: Ruthann Jeffries, Linda Messmer, Deputy Clerk Melissa Dorsett, City Attorney Traci Orman. Mayor Wyndham was absent.
OTHERS PRESENT: Planning and Zoning Administrator Janet McClellan, Fire Chief Jake Bennett, Council President Steve Bell, Brazil Times Editor Frank Phillips,
PLEDGE: The pledge to the Flag was led by Ruthann Jeffries.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of minutes is tabled until May 9th.
OLD BUSINESS: NONE
FIRE CHIEF REPORT: Chief Jake Bennett
- There were 42 calls for service in January 2018, compared to 55 in 2017, 45 calls for service in February 2018, compared to 32 in 2017, and 44 calls for service in March 2018 compared to 37 in 2017.
- Fire Department was dispatched to Posey Township to assist with an Motor Vehicle Accident in March. No serious injuries.
- Probationary Officer Cody Garrison began his training on March 5th. Firefighters have been conducting Drill training on SCBA’s, aerial setup and waterway training, EMS and HazMat assignments.
- During March and April, Firefighters have been giving Fire Safety talks and Station tours to Girls Scouts and Preschools.
- Engine 221 had fuel system, pump and primer repairs as well as future pump repairs planned. Engine 224 also had pump and primer repairs. SCBA packs had repairs in April.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Cleanups –Four properties were on the list for approval for cleanup. Linda Messmer made a motion to approve the property cleanup list for April 25, 2018; seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 2-0.
- Opioid Litigation – Agreement for Professional Services and Waiver of Conflict – City Attorney Traci Orman explained that several municipalities have started litigation against pharmaceutical companies and distributors (and possibly others), who have responsibility for damages incurred by cities as a result of the opioid epidemic created by the improper marketing and distribution of opioids. The Agreement for Professional Services will allow Cohen & Malad, LLP, Bose McKinney & Evans, LLP and John P. Nichols, Attorney at Law, to represent the City of Brazil during this litigation. There is also a Waiver of Conflict of Interest due to pending litigation with the City of Brazil. Linda Messmer made a motion to approve the Agreement for Professional Services between the City of Brazil and the Firms and the Waiver of Conflict of Interest; seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 2-0.
- Resolution 1-2018: Accepting Real Property – Structure at 235 N. Harrison has been deemed unsafe and needs to be demolished. The City of Brazil has agreed to take ownership of the property from current owner Ruth Ann DeCamp. Linda Messmer made a motion to approve Resolution 1-2018: A Resolution Accepting Real Property located at 235 N. Harrison Street: seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 2-0.
- Real Estate Purchase Agreement – The City would like to purchase the property east of the Water Treatment Plant (1/2 acre including improvements and fixtures) for use for future expansion. The agreed purchase price is $40,000. Council has already met to discuss and has agreed to appropriate the money needed. Linda Messmer made a motion to approve the Real Estate Purchase Agreement between the City of Brazil and Sandra Hoffman, Scott Bicking, Sherry Bicking, Aaron Bicking and Aarica Poe to purchase property at 2243 E US Hwy 40, Brazil, Indiana for $40,000; seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 2-0.
WATER IMPROVEMENT GRANT UPDATE:
- Due to weather, needed repairs to streets have been put on hold and we are hoping to start repairs early in May.
CLAIMS:
- Clerk – Linda Messmer made a motion to approve; seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 2-0.
- Utilities – Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve; seconded by Linda Messmer. The motion passed 2-0.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: NONE
ADJOURNMENT: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Linda Messmer; seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 2-0. Meeting was adjourned at 10:28 a.m.
