MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY
BRAZIL, INDIANA
FOR AUGUST 9, 2017
A meeting with the Board of Public Works was held on August 9, 2017 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, Ruthann Jeffries, Linda Messmer, Deputy Clerk Melissa Dorsett, City Attorney Traci Orman
OTHERS PRESENT: Wastewater Superintendent Billy Goodrich, Planning and Zoning Administrator Janet McClellan, Fire Chief Jake Bennett, Council Member Steve Bell, Council Member Roy Kellar, Kristina Alexander from RQAW Consulting Engineers, Robert Phelps
PLEDGE: The pledge to the Flag was led by Mayor Wyndham.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 26, 2017; Linda Messmer made a motion to approve; seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 3-0.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: NONE
OLD BUSINESS: NONE
NEW BUSINESS:
- Kristy Cundiff – Water Adjustment – The adjustment was a City issue due to software error and it has been resolved
- Clean Ups –Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve the Clean Up List for August 9, 2017; seconded by Linda Messmer. The motion passed 3-0.
- Purchase of Used Bucket Truck- MVH – Linda Messmer made a motion to approve $10,000 for the purchase of a used bucket truck; seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 3-0. The truck will be used by the Street Department to maintain street lights and by the Park’s Department for various repairs.
- Condemn 2 Properties – 404 N. Alabama & 540 N. Vandalia – Planning and Zoning Administrator Janet McClellan explained that the home owner is planning to tear down the property at 404 N. Alabama but Janet would like the property affirmed as unsafe in case the home owner does not tear it down. The Building Inspector has already inspected the property and recommends demolition. Police have issued an eviction notice to the owner’s relatives living in the garage without the owner’s permission. All proper paperwork has been filed. Linda Messmer made a motion to approve the Unsafe Building Affirmation on 404 N. Alabama Street; seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 3-0.
Property at 540 N. Vandalia had a fire years ago and has been recommended to be affirmed as unsafe by the Building Inspector. Property owner Robert Phelps of 540 N. Vandalia was present to request an extension of 6 months. Mayor Wyndham agreed to give Mr. Phelps until the end of the year to bring the house up to compliance. If not brought up to code by the end of the year the property will be affirmed as unsafe and will be demolished.
- Britt Tool Personal and Real Property Tax Abatements – Approval of Abatement Calculation Agreement – Property tax abatement requests were made at the July Council meeting, have been advertised and are up for final approval at the August Council Meeting. Linda Messmer made a motion to approve the Abatement Calculation Agreements between Britt Tool and the City of Brazil for both the real and personal property tax abatements; seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 3-0.
- GAI –Jackson Street Sidewalk Inventory Proposal – The City of Brazil’s sidewalks and intersection ramps have deteriorated to the point of needing repair and many need renovated to meet ADA requirements. GAI Consultants will work with the City to evaluate and determine locations that need renovated. GAI will provide an inventory of the sidewalks and intersection ramps along Jackson Street from US 40 to Depot Street. Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve the GAI proposal of Jackson Street Sidewalk Inventory for the City of Brazil for $14,400 to be paid out of the bond lease money; seconded by Linda Messmer. The motion passed 3-0.
- Auction of City Surplus Personal Property – The City of Brazil is having a surplus auction on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Craig Park. Various firearms, vehicles, bikes and computers are included in the inventory. Larry Wyndham has presented an Auction Contract to be signed by the City. City Attorney Traci Orman has explained the relationship of Larry Wyndham and Mayor Wyndham (brothers), even though Mayor Wyndham will not receive any compensation from this auction. Proper procedures will be taken to ensure that the City will be in compliance with the 2012 Nepotism Law. Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to 1) declare the listed personal property as surplus property, 2) approve the contract between Larry Wyndham and the City of Brazil (contingent upon the City Council accepting the Nepotism Disclosure at its meeting on 8/9/17, 3) issuance of the certified statement of the Board of Works which sets forth the reasons for the use of Larry Wyndham as the Auctioneer for this matter; seconded by Linda Messmer. The motion passed 2-0.
- Approval of Municipal Lease – Water Distribution department is in need of new trucks. Bob Bowen has offered to match the state minimum bid on 6 standard trucks. The lease will be a 5-year lease through First Financial Bank. Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve the Equipment Lease/Purchase Agreement between First Financial Bank and the City of Brazil, and to designate Mayor Wyndham to sign any further documents needed in order to finalize the transaction; seconded by Linda Messmer. The motion passed 3-0.
FIRE CHIEF REPORT: Fire Chief Jake Bennett
- 49 calls for service in June
- 40 calls for service in July
- July 4th Firefighters were on duty at Forest Park Elementary School during the Fireworks show. No issues were reported.
- July 26th Firefighters visited the YMCA day camp to discuss fire safety and demonstrate the Aerial truck.
- August 2st, the Fire Department took part in Police Chief McQueen’s National Night Out Festivities.
- August 10th the Fire Department will be at the Headstart Car Seat Clinic on 800 W Jackson St. showing children the truck and explaining equipment.
- Annual Hose Testing was completed in August
CLAIMS:
- Clerk – Linda Messmer made a motion to approve; seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 3-0.
- Utilities – Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve; seconded by Linda Messmer. The motion passed 3-0.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: NONE
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: NONE
MAYOR COMMENTS: NONE
ADJOURNMENT: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ruthann Jeffries; seconded by Linda Messmer. The motion passed 3-0. Meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m.
