The Brookville Town Council (BTC) met for a regularly scheduled meeting on July 6 at 7 p.m. Council president Bridget Hayes, vice president Earl Moore, and board members Chuck Campbell and John Estridge were in attendance. Board member Curtis Ward was not present. 

Community leaders provide updates

Economic Development Commission (EDC) Executive Director John Palmer provided an update on the status of the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) grant. EDC began working with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) in early January to plan how the $2.5 million in funding would be spent in the county. Public meetings and online surveys were utilized to gather residents' input regarding what they would like to see in the county. After over 300 suggestions were collected, "Pathway Teams," comprised of community members from all over the county, categorized and streamlined ideas to help decide what projects should be pursued. As a result, three ideas were submitted to Purdue University to create a strategic investment plan. 

The initial HELP projects submitted were:

•Create a small business incubator in Brookville to help start businesses with a focus on Main Street.

•Utilize property recently vacated to expand town park sports complex at the old state garage. 

•Connect Brook Hill Golf Course to the Whitewater Canal Trail and Brookville Lake trails.

The strategic investment plan will be completed by Sept. 11. OCRA will approve it and then go before the BTC and the Franklin County Commissioners for final approval. 

Main Street Brookville Snapshot

Nancy Main of Main Street Brookville (MSB) presented a snapshot of the Main Street Historic District from January through June. The district includes 81 buildings from 3rd to 10th St., 4th St. (behind the courthouse) and Little Wildcat Academy. 

District breakdown:

•Businesses: 57 (70%)

•Government: 3 (4%)

•Apartments: 6 (7%)

•Not occupied: 15 (19%)

As for Main Street commerce during the first half of the year, John's Barbering closed, and Reid Health relocated to a new location on State Road 101. However, two businesses opened on Main Street, including La Casa De Lulus and Sweet Axe Escape. Main also shared the former Reid Health building will reopen with retail and a salon/spa. Ultimately MSB would like to see the vacant buildings become owner-occupied. 

"Moving businesses into buildings, that is where we are putting our focus," Main shared. "A $2 million investment from Indiana is absolutely huge because they see us as a community that is moving forward and willing to invest. So, we want to show how we are improving so we can continue to get more grants." 

Main said it will be a step-by-step process to accomplish all owner-occupied buildings. Step one, get the buildings leased and then go from there. Campbell asked Main if there were incentives for owners to improve their properties. Beyond the $2 million facade grant that was awarded to Brookville, MSB offers $5,000 interest-free facade loans. Main also suggested the town could look at current ordinances and see if they are being enforced or if additional ordinances are needed. Main said she felt like additional ordinances should be a last resort. "We would rather talk with building owners and establish relationships and tell them about different options," Main said. "But ordinances are always a good thing." After some discussion, the board felt the ordinances were worth looking at and taking before the new town attorney. 

New bike racks are being installed on Main Street

Next Main shared new bike racks for Main Street have arrived and are being installed. This was a community effort project led by MSB beginning in December of 2022 when the BTC approved the project. The bike racks will be placed at five locations, each holding two bikes.

"They will be installed in places that encourage people to stop and frequent local businesses by offering a secure place to park their bike, showing Brookville is a town of recreation," said Main in a follow-up interview after the meeting. "We want people to enjoy Brookville's restaurants, shops, and entertainment. For safety, please walk bikes on the downtown sidewalks."

The bike rack locations will be close to the following:

•Hilltop Restaurant 300 Main

•Coffee on Main 606 Main

•Third Place 734 Main

•La Casa de Lulu's 559 Main

•The Daily Scoop 515 Main 

Board discusses staffing, hires new town attorney

Council approved the contract for new town attorney Andrew Baundendistel.

 Baundendistel will be compensated at $250 per hour and attend regular meetings. However, the agreement stipulated meetings need to be held on the first and third Monday of the month instead of the first and third Thursday for Baundendistel to be able to attend. The board voted to change meetings to the first and third Monday at 7 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 17, at 7 p.m.

Jessica Hansel informed the board that Street Department Superintendent Brent Riehle is retiring in August, and water department employee Andy Sauerland will also leave in August. Hansel asked to go ahead and advertise for the positions, first to current employees and then externally, if no candidates are identified. The board approved Hansel advertising for the two positions. 

Hayes asked Hansel if there were any updates on hiring someone for the secretary position at the Brookville Police Department. Hansel stated she created the job description and had it posted online, but all resumes received go to BPD Police Chief Terry Mitchum for review. Hansel said roughly eight applications had been submitted, but to her knowledge, no interviews had been conducted.

Derik Orschell Memorial requests

Hansel informed the board she has received numerous phone calls from the community since the passing of beloved Brookville resident, coach, and educator Derik "Bub" Orschell inquiring about the possibility of placing a memorial somewhere in Orschell's honor. Hayes acknowledged what an "incredible community leader" Orschell was and said, "We should all strive to be like "Bub." Before discussion ensued amongst the board, Bridget held a few moments of silence in his honor before proceeding. Hansel shared some of the ideas presented were planting a tree in his honor, placing a bench at the concessions/canteen at the softball fields or at the upper youth football field, and placing a rock in his memory in the town park. Hansel is compiling the ideas and volunteered to walk around with Riehle, look at the town property, see where there would be room for some ideas, and report back to the board. 

General

Campbell mentioned he had noticed timing issues at the light located at Sixth Street and Main streets. Hayes said she would alert the street department and have them investigate further.

Announcements 

Hayes announced the town email extensions have changed to @brookville.in.gov. For example, Hayes' new email address is [email protected].