The Brookville Town Council held another meeting March 16 where previous topics and concerns were addressed, as well as new inquiries laid out for discussion. In attendance were John Estridge, Chuck Campbell, Bridget Hayes, Earl Moore, and Curtis Ward. 

Approvals for the special meeting minutes and the regular meeting minutes were approved following a motion. This motion passed. Next was claims and payroll; both also passed after a motion was made and seconded. 

First up was the re-certifying of the 2012 election ward ordinance. This had been previously discussed in a few prior meetings, and it was meant to be approved at the end of 2022. Hayes voted to suspend the rules to approve the vote in this meeting; however, the motion failed as the vote needed to be unanimous. The ordinance will not be voted on in this meeting, and will be revisited at the next meeting following a second reading. 

Hayes next spoke about the previous mentions and idea to have department heads submit monthly reports. She has provided small explanations in detail as to why they would be beneficial and how. Some of these include how the reports would serve as a professional reflection on the board's work, provide insight to the council and the public, it's a common practice in municipalities, and it highlights the accomplishments of the department and any future plans. They would be due at the first of each month with initials on each. A motion was made to approve and passed. 

Rediscussing the liaison report covers the areas of responsibilities and what the liaison should and should not do. Hayes explains how the liaison can help establish a closer relationship with the council, but also firmly states what the liaison cannot take on without interfering in the council's work.

Overall, this allows transparency and keeps everybody informed in a timely manner to address all issues and concerns efficiently. A brief discussion was held over the pros and cons of the liaison, and Hayes does clarify that participation isn't required. A motion was made and passed for the position. 

Following the liaison topic, Hayes next states who is working with what department. They are as followed: 
Hayes: Police department and golf course 
Moore: Fire department 
Campbell: Special projects 
Ward: Street department and parks 
Estridge: Water/sewer and pool 

 There was no discussion over the Zimmer building. Hayes is waiting to confirm the permit submission and then there will be a 30-day wait for approval before construction can begin. There was also no lengthy discussion over the sidewalk program. Nothing needs to be stopped or started for now. 

The issues surrounding the sewer line up on Reservoir Road were next. The rates were discussed, and Hayes speaks about a preliminary rate study with a cost not exceeding $4K. Once this project finishes, there will be another study also not exceeding $4k. A grand total of $8K in costs. Hayes brought this to the board's attention for any discussion on questions and concerns following the project so far and a motion was made to approve the grant. This motion failed for now. 

Next was the survey created for the residents of Reservoir Road after several complaints have been made about those residents being left out and having no say in the project. Hayes reads the six questions created aloud for the council to approve of, and states they will be mailed out. Hayes herself will stuff envelopes to ensure all residents are given a survey for this project. The results will be shared with the public; therefore the motion made was passed. 

Clerk-treasurer Gina Gillman informs the board of the Franklin County Community Foundation endowments and mentions two donations have been received. Both donations will be used for the community and their designated projects. 

A quote for a street attachment was discussed. This was pre-approved in the budget, and with new council members, the board allowed a small discussion to catch the members up and understand the costs as the attachment is a large item. The purchase ordinance does state that $3k can be spent without approval. The cost reached $11k, but a motion was made and passed to carry out the cost due to prior approvals. 

With the skid loader approval purchase of about $60K, the purchase in question was the wrong size. Zimmer has apologized for the mix-up and a new quote has been given for less than the original $60K. This update allows for savings in cost and a new fix for the purchase. 

Police chief Terry Mitchum took the stand to update the council on the auto repairs needed for his current vehicle. If done now and Mitchum verifies that the vehicle keeps one driver and remains in town, the longevity of the repair lasts up to five years. The board made a motion to approve the repair and it was seconded, therefore passing. 

John Heis next took the stand to tell the board about the waterway running though the drainage pipe near his property. Years ago, this waterway used to run over the cart path and the golf course raised the cart path. However, now this water backs up and when sitting, the water builds in Heis' property. He asks that the board consider getting the water issue taken care of. The concern was addressed, and Heis is told the board is waiting for an engineer to come out and survey the area. A discussion ensued over the lack of prior mentions of an engineer,; however Hayes mentions the need will cover the two properties under Heis and Ward. The discussion ends with Hayes stating meeting with engineers has been suggested and therefore, has seen that this would be beneficial for the project moving forward. A motion was made to approve Hayes meeting with engineers and passed. 

The board approved an upcoming 5K fundraiser. The 5K would begin at the high school and participants will have a map to follow. The 5K will commence on May 15th and the board approved the fundraiser.