MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
BRAZIL, INDIANA
FOR NOVEMBER 8, 2023
A meeting of the Common Council was held on November 8, 2023, at 5:00 P.m. in Brazil City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Brian Wyndham.
PRAYER: Prayer was led by Karen Boes.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Brian Wyndham and Council Members, Shane Litz, Steve Bell, Karen Boes, and Brad Deal. Angie Modesitt was absent.
OTHERS PRESENT:
- City Attorney Traci Orman, Clerk- Treasurer Karen McQueen, a representative from the Brazil Times Hayley Cooper, Fire Department Union Members: Raymond Staub and Caden Heyman, Fire Department Chief Jake Bennett, Jonathan Eilbracht with Wabash Valley Community Foundation, representatives from the Clay County Chamber of Commerce Shelina Shearer and Jennifer Flater, representative for the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Josh Alsip and Brazil City Resident Roy Keller Senior.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steve Bell made a motion to approve the October 11, 2023 and the October 25, 2023 minutes, seconded by Karen Boes. Motion Passed 4-0.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: Fire Department Union members Chief Jake Bennett, Raymond Staub and Caden Heyman were present for the signing and final approval of the Fire Department Union Contract. Brad Deal made a motion to approve the Fire Department Union Contract, seconded by Shane Litz. Motion Passed 4-0. City Attorney Traci Orman explained to council that it was time to get the Baby Box blessed so that Baby Box could go live. City Attorney Traci Orman requested a date and time for blessing from Council. Blessing was set for November 27, 2023 @ 11 a.m.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Ordinance 18-2023: handicap parking spot – Shane Litz made a motion to suspend the rules and pass Ordinance 18-2023 on the first reading, seconded by Brad Deal. Motion Passed 4-0. Shane Litz then made a motion to approve Ordinance 18-2023, seconded by Brad Deal. Motion Passed 4-0.
New Business:
- Brazil City Resident Roy Kellar Senior – Roy Kellar wanted to let council members know that he was very happy with the City of Brazil new decals on the City vehicles. He inquired with Council why the Forest Park Golf Course Superintendent’s Truck was not marked with a decal yet? Mayor Brian Wyndham stated that vehicle would be getting marked soon.
- Brooke Reinoehl – Representatives with the Clay County and the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Jennifer Flater, Shelina Shearer and Josh Alsip were present to explain to council there partnership with Jonathan Eilcracht with the Wabash Valley Community Foundation for a Community Plan for all of Clay County. RJL Solutions would be putting together the plan. Jenniffer Flater requested $10,000.00 from the City of Brazil to put towards the expense of the plan. Council members unanimously agreed to take request under advisement.
- Burn Ban – Fire Chief Jake Bennett was present to request that there be a burn ban put into place for 7 days and to be effective until November 15, 2023.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Karen Boes – Wanted to congratulate Brad Deal on winning his election for Council.
Brad Deal – Wanted to thank everyone for all of their support. Brad then discussed with Council his tour of the Shakamak High School on their solar project that they completed with Veregy. Steve Bell also attended this tour of Shakamak. Jeff Gambill explained to Brad that they have saved lots of money on their electric bills.
Angie Modesitt – None
Steve Bell – Wanted to congratulate Brad Deal on winning his election for Council.
Shane Litz – Wanted to congratulate Brad Deal on winning his election for Council. Shane also discussed with the Council his tour of the town of North Vernon to see the solar panels they had installed through Veregy. He also explained that Mayor Brian Wyndham, Brad Deal, Rick Anderson with Veregy and the Mayor of North Vernon were with him. He was highly impressed with the tour and would like to see The City of Brazil move forward with Veregy. Shane Litz then made a motion to move forward with RFP’s for solar energy, seconded by Brad Deal. Motion Passed 4-0.
MAYOR COMMENTS:
Mayor Brian Wyndham – Informed Council that the Forest Park Splash Pad is moving forward, the ADA Inventory is almost complete, and Trick or Treat with the businesses on US 40 was a great success. Then, Mayor Brain Wyndham stated that he has been looking into other cities that have went with solar, especially with there wastewater plants. The Mayor Brian Wyndham stated that he would like to see the city stay progressive and to continue to move forward. He would like to also see the City of Brazil continue their role of leadership. Mayor Brian Wyndham stated that he is in favor of solar energy.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: nextCouncil Meeting November 29, 2023 @ 5 pm.
ADJOURNMENT: Brad Deal made a motion to adjourn meeting, seconded by Steve Bell. Motion passed 5-0. Meeting adjourned @ 5:40 p.m.
