The Brookville Town Council recently held a meeting to discuss new updates, personnel changes, and adhere to public concerns. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call. Attending were Chuck Campbell, Bridget Hayes, and Earl Moore. Curtis Ward and Brooke Leffingwell were not present. 

Hayes followed with the approval of minutes for the regular meeting and the executive session. There were no questions or concerns, so a motion to approve was carried by a vote of 3-0. The approval of payroll and claims also held no discussion or questions for clerk-treasurer Gina Gillman and was carried for approval at a vote of 3-0.

Next up, Hayes moved on to the resolution for payment claims. Gillman explains that Indiana code states contractors could have claims that require approval including payroll, insurance, premium, or utility bills. Gillman states the resolution could be added for these counts as part of the code.

Therefore, a motion to approve 2022-10 on allowing pre-approved payment plans was carried at a vote of 3-0.

Following the agenda was the Indiana Landmarks contract. Special Projects Director Jessica Hansel states that she spoke with Jarrod Holbrook, who explained in various emails about what he does overall and offered a discussion on breaking up large projects into small payments. As of right now, Holbrook has been with Franklin County since the facade started and will be staying on for the remainder of this year. While the Historic Preservation currently holds a member who can approve COA's, it's in an opinion to keep Holbrook on. Otherwise, it would be necessary to find a replacement and it's mentioned that Holbrook is already visiting once a month. Furthermore, Gillman moves on to explain the camp isheld once a year for training purposes should anyone be interested. The discussion ended with a motion to approve the $3500 for the rest of Holbrook’s calendar year. This carried with a vote of 3-0.

Next up was the area of responsibility. This section didn't require a vote. Hayes went on to explain how it was considered to have council members each take on an area of responsibility. This was to help promote better communication and relationships, as well as take all issues and concerns into consideration as each department would have a council member at ready. As followed:

Bridget Hayes: Police Department and Golf Course

•Earl Moore: Fire Department and Pool
•Curtis Ward: Street Department and Main Street, Inc.
•Chuck Campbell: Water/Sewer and Special Projects. 

Again, no discussion or vote was needed here. Hayes thanked the council members for volunteering to oversee and collaborate with their chosen departments.

Up next was new business - Rules and Procedures.

On hand, Hayes had a 3-page document approved by the previous board. She and Moore have been working on some changes and if all are approved, the changes will be sent to town attorney Lynn Fledderman. Hayes states that these focus on streamlines and standardizing how the meetings are run. A few sections included the following:

•Nothing will be official unless there is a majority. Should a tie occur, the clerk may break that tie.

•Meetings will be held on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

•Special meetings may be called by the president, vice president, and treasurer.

•One rule has been revoked. A candidate is not required to serve on the council for a minimum of one year to run for president.

•While it's easier to follow the agenda, there can be deviations from the agenda published. A vote needs to be considered first. As such, public inputs at meetings are set at a 2-minute time frame. The council understands that some may take longer; however if any public input becomes confrontational, it will be shut down immediately.

A motion to approve this draft was carried at a vote of 3-0.

Next up to speak was Police Chief Terry Mitchum.

Taking the podium, Mitchum has asked the council to consider re-hiring Sgt. Sam Williams, and at his original rank will full benefits. Mitchum has spoken with Williams (who had previously resigned), and Williams is willing to come back if he can keep his full benefits. This is 2 weeks of vacation, and the longevity is $50/year. Williams had four years on and approaching five. Mitchum states that Williams knows the area, knows the people, is professional, and would be a great asset to the police department. Mitchum then reiterates his request that the board consider his return.

Mitchum didn't go into specifics over Williams desire to return following his previous resignation but detailed how Williams' felt there were immoral tasks being asked of him, and therefore left out of good conscience. With the standing of a new board, Williams would like to come back as he feels there are new standards and better outcomes with this new panel of members, citing that he trusts the new board and their opinions.

Campbell moved to state he finds Williams respectful and believes he's a great man. He felt the parting was harsh and agrees Williams would not only be a great asset but would love to see Williams back. Hayes also agreed that Williams would be vital to the BPD, especially with a shortage on officers now. His previous experience would be beneficial considering his training wouldn't be time consuming like the newer applicants. The entire on-boarding process for new officers takes a large amount of time with certifications, whereas Williams would only be required to re-complete one section. Last was Moore, who supports this decision, and understands that after everything asked of Williams, he could see why Williams felt the need to leave.

Following a very brief discussion on new employee cost analysis and some clarifications from Mitchum, the board made a motion to approve the rehiring of Sgt. Sam Williams at his original rank and pay. The vote carried 3-0.

Moving forward, Gillman spoke up regarding hiring a wastewater employee. They had one last year, and it was discussed that a full-time wastewater employee should be considered as there was already a full-time water employee. In short, Gillman made a request to advertise for hire of that position. There have been three employees in the past for wastewater and after a brief discussion of cross training and licensing, the board made a motion to approve the advertisement with a vote of 3-0.

Hayes next briefly discusses an update with the Zimmer Building. Initially the order had been stopped, but the council is now trying to ramp things back up again. Previously, a floor plan had been approved; however, there were some slight concerns with the walls over insulation. The council has been looking into alternatives for insulations so that there is privacy and if none can be found, there will be minor changes made to the initial layout to accommodate the privacy requirements. Several schematics for the electrical lines showed concern with the budget, but as the council still doesn't have the original invoice from the previous contractor, they cannot move forward. Curtis has been asked for the copy, but nothing has been produced yet. There were no questions or further discussion on the matter.

Next on the agenda were the Tinkertown Pump Station quotes. Three quotes have been presented to the council. The first two quotes, following an inspection and the discovery of one pump down and needing fixed, were for the pump itself. These sat over $20k, and $30K if the pump is fixed alone without insulation. A third quote, with the pump fix and insulation, sat at just $26K. The board made a motion to approve the third quote listed and it was carried with a vote of 3-0.

With quotes, the council next discussed a quote for water up at the golf course maintenance building. There is currently no running water up to the building. Further discussion states that the building had been the original clubhouse. There may have been a possible break or leak, and the water was never fixed. It was later stated that there isn't a water meter and that it previously ran from a well. The well pump broke. Therefore, fixing the running water would essentially be approved with contingency. There hadn't been a budget and the request asked of the council is to help cover the cost. The board made a motion to approve the $2700 for maintenance with a vote of 3-0. 

Alongside the water maintenance, there was some brief discussions and debate over the renting of Brook Hill Golf Clubhouse. Several prices have been researched and offered, though nothing needs to be voted on currently. Ron Brune states that the rental hours would be from 6pm-11pm. The clubhouse can be split in half for private and commercial use as needed. Satellite can fulfill both needs effectively. To end the golf course discussions, there was an inquiry about the public receiving financial records for the golf course. These have not been received yet but cannot be until various forms or disclosures have been adhered to. The council will keep the public updated on the matter, but currently, there is no further discussion.

A request to hire counsel for legal representation was brought up. As town attorney Lynn Fledderman does not handle litigation, it is requested that the lawyer would like to have authority to hire a counsel if none is assigned. A motion to approve this was carried with a vote of 3-0.

Lastly, Bridget Hayes made a formal announcement. 

Effective immediately, Brooke Leffingwell has resigned from her position on the council. 

While an inquiry had been made for her resignation letter, we have not received one. No further details will be available following her resignation right now.

Discussions ended and the meeting was adjourned.