MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY
BRAZIL, INDIANA
FOR JULY 13, 2016
A meeting with the Board of Public Works was held on July 13, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers of the Brazil City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Wyndham.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Wyndham, Linda Messmer, Ruthann Jeffries, Deputy Clerk Melissa Dorsett, City Attorney Traci Orman
OTHERS PRESENT: Planning and Zoning Administrator Teresa Glenn, Fire Chief Jake Bennett, Wastewater Superintendent Billy Goodrich, Clay County School Corporation Representatives Jeff Fritz and Tom Reberger, Brazil Times Representative Frank Phillips, Daniel Rose
PLEDGE: The pledge to the Flag was lead by Mayor Wyndham.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Linda Messmer made a motion to approve June 22, 2016 minutes; seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 3-0.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: Mr. Rose commented that the Meridian Street demolition looks good and the construction company BP2 did a great job. Mayor Wyndham said thanks to Planning and Zoning Administrator Teresa Glenn for seeing that project through.
FIRE CHIEF REPORT: Chief Jake Bennett
-The Fire Department has responded to 30 calls since July 1st. 22 of those calls were for medical assistance.
-July Training included Fire Suppression Training from Assistant Chief Roy Kellar including visibility and rope training, EMS training with glucose, and HAZMAT review of specific tankers.
-Firefighters gave a fire safety and general safety presentation to the Brazil Public
Library’s Summer Reading Program participants.
-On July 4th, the Fire Department posted two men and Engine 221 at Forest Park
School for the Fireworks event. No injuries or fire were reported on the Fourth.
Ruthann Jeffries asked about frequency of the Brazil Fire Department being called out for medical assistance and accidents. Chief Bennett explained that the extra hands are necessary for Motor Vehicle accidents or in cases of entrapment. Chief Bennett also explained that they only respond when dispatched. Mayor Wyndham asked if the Fire Department is responding to lifting assistance. Chief Bennett responded yes. Mayor Wyndham discussed the high amount of runs and the cost involved when taking on this responsibility.
NEW BUSINESS:
1.) Jeff Fritz and Tom Reberger were present from the Clay Community School Corporation to discuss renovation projects within the corporation. Total project cost is estimated at $33 million, with the Northview/North Clay portion estimated at $18 million. Estimated Building Permit fees are around $23,000. The corporation is asking for a waiver or reduction in Building Permit fees. Tom Reberger said the City has previously given a 75% discount on fees for the Clay County School Corporation. Linda Messmer is in favor of reducing the Building Permit fees, but would like time to discuss and get feedback on this issue. Mayor Wyndham stated that this decision will rest with the Board of Works, but they will take time to discuss before making a decision.
2.) Approval of Clean Ups – Planning and Zoning Administrator Teresa Glenn presented pictures of properties that are in need of cleanup. Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve the Clean Up list for 7/13/16; seconded by Linda Messmer. The motion passed 3-0. Teresa Glenn will check on property at 613 N. Columbia to see if it has been cleaned up. Property on 612 S. Grant will be cleaned up only with Brazil Police Department assistance.
3.) Unsafe Building Affirmation – Property at 828 N. Forest, owned by Mr. John Hall, had previously had a fire. Teresa Glenn spoke with Mr. Hall and sent him a letter in May. Mr. Hall said that his plans were to tear his house down in Fall 2016. Teresa informed Mr. Hall that she would request for the house to be affirmed as an Unsafe Building. Mr. Hall has been notified of the affirmation. Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve the Affirmation of Unsafe Building Order on 6/13/16 for property at 828 N. Forest Avenue; seconded by Linda Messmer. The motion passed 3-0.
CLAIMS:
Clerk’s Office – Linda Messmer made a motion to approve. Ruthann Jeffries seconded. The motion passed 3-0.
Utilities’ Office –Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve. Linda Messmer seconded. The motion passed 3-0.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: NONE
MAYOR COMMENTS: NONE
ADJOURNMENT: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Linda Messmer; seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. Meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m. The motion passed 3-0.
