The sale of the current police station, abbreviated terms for board officers and a map for historic preservation guidelines were among topics debated at the June 1 Brookville Town Council meeting.

The Historic Preservation Commission had met earlier in the week to redraw an acceptable map within the historic district for residents to comply with the historical standards laid down by Indiana Landmarks. Jessica Hansel, town special projects director, passed out a map that outlined Main Street from 3rd to 10th streets. She said HPC needed a broader viewing to better showcase the district and wished to proceed up to Connersville Avenue and add the Canal and Cliff street corridors (down to 9th Street) to the map.

A few residents spoke up against the historic district in general and the additional areas specifically.

Member John Estridge made a motion to reject the map but failed due to lack of second. Member Curtis Ward moved to accept the map and cohort Chuck Campbell seconded. Motion carried 4-1 with Estridge opposed. The first reading of the ordinance was approved, and this will be on the next agenda to add the annexed area.

Regarding rules and procedures, discussion ensued on a decision broached in May to limit the board officers to six-month terms versus full-year terms. An amended resolution passed out by Ward would allow for the board to select a new president and vice-president prior to June 30 for terms running July 1-Dec. 31. Two residents spoke in favor of the work council president Bridget Hayes has done since being appointed president in January.
Hayes said board attorney Lynn Fledderman advised against adopting this policy due to fluidity of business and pointed out the resolution hadn’t gone before an attorney. Hayes reminded that the impetus for the change was an accusation of alleged creation of a hostile working environment for town employees and board members. Ward attempted to make a motion to pass the resolution but was instructed he was out of order.

Later the subject of hostile work environment resurfaced in the form of Hayes asking for an independent investigation into the claims. She had conferred with New Focus Human Resources and employment attorneys with Bose McKinney Evans, who recommended the investigation due to such allegations potentially violating US labor laws. Sandy Perry was the attorney name given.

Hayes wanted the board to come up with an agreement for Perry to begin work that consists of interviews with town employees. She made a motion, seconded by Estridge. During discussion, vice-president Earl Moore bought to the board’s attention a related anonymous survey that he wished to distribute to department heads; the survey contains 20 questions gauging employees’opinions about the current BTC president.

Moore said this was a free avenue to gauge opinion rather than pay roughly $18,000 attorney fees for the investigation. Hayes warned it protects the town from possible lawsuits if the investigation were done by a professional firm. She said the survey could be done later. Ward said if a hostile environment is confirmed, suits could come regardless. Hayes replied she agreed, but said it creates an official defense if attorneys are involved.

The vote was 2-2 with Moore abstaining. Clerk-treasurer Gina Gillman was the tiebreak vote in favor, which brought light applause. Approval for Moore to send out his survey later passed 4-1.

Sale of the police department building on Main Street proved to be contentious as well. At the previous meeting, a business incubator was discussed as a possible use for the building that will be vacated once the department moves into the old Zimmer building. The chamber of commerce would work with Brookville Main Street and Brookville Redevelopment Commission to vet new business opportunities and approve them to go forward at a different location in town.

Hayes moved to develop the program through Dec. 31, 2024. Campbell countered with a motion to sell the building and Ward seconded. Estridge stated that this is a unique opportunity to grow business in town. Moore said using proceeds from the sale would also benefit the town to purchase needed equipment for police. Hayes answered the board had previously agreed to fill all police requests provided they were included in the budget; she said if the project fails, the building could later be sold.

Police chief Terry Mitchum came to the podium to clarify some things. He said he doesn’t care how the sale is resolved or to whom it’s sold, he wanted to note that conversations about selling the building have been ongoing for well over a year. He pointed out that the incubator is an unknown while reaping benefits from the sale is a known commodity. Jim Lubic of Ritzi Jewelers was against selling the building immediately.

At this point, Campbell rescinded his motion and allowed Ward to make a separate motion. He wished to begin the process with an attorney for the sale and authorize Moore to advertise it and procure an auctioneer; another part was allowing proceeds to go directly to the police. Campbell seconded and it passed 3-2 with Estridge and Hayes opposed.

In other items
The $4.5 million Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grant agreement for funding of sewer line extending up Reservoir Road was approved.

PreservINg Main Street grant project will be rebid June 29. 

Fledderman is stepping down due to health concerns. An executive session is today to interview a new candidate.

Salary ordinance will be revised to update call out policy for police officers, documentation and total hours.

A computer quote for new PCs and Microsoft Office 365 was approved for several town employees, including the police department. 

A requisition request by developer Greg Martz for the new police station was approved totaling $11,335.04.