West Central Reporter

The Barry City Council met July 5 to receive the police report from the Pike County Sheriffs office.

The Barry City Council includes six aldermen elected for four-year terms. They meet at 7:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at City Hall, 1005 Bainbridge St.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the council: 

BARRY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JULY 5, 2016

Mayor Rennecker called the regular monthly meeting of the Barry City Council to order at 7 P.M. He then led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. All elected officials were present except Kay Brown.

Debbie Harshman made a motion to approve the minutes from the June meeting and Steve Schultz seconded the motion. Motion carried with 6 ayes, 0 nays and 0 absent.

Scott Harris made a motion to approve payment of the bills and Steve Schultz seconded the motion. Motion carried with 6 ayes, 0 nays and 0 absent.

Matt Frazier from the Pike County Sheriffs office gave the police report. There were two arrests: 1 misdemeanor and 1 traffic arrest.

Bruce Kendall discussed the water/sewer committee report from meeting held on June 28. He stated they discussed a water rate increase and there had been an automatic increase set in place when the seconded water tower was put up. The increase will go into effect unless the council votes against it. They also discussed a possible minimum amount to be charged to dormant accounts. Steve Schultz stated that the increase was put into place earlier than the second water tower. We would rather have small increase every year instead of having one big increase. It is an ordinance so the increase goes into effect. Bruce said they also discussed the lift station and problems we have had with it. It is a $7000 Pump. He asked if we need to get the engineer or company to stand behind the work on the motor or do we get Attorney Brenner involved. Melvin Gilbert said we are waiting to see what Max Middendorf has found out and should hear something soon. Melvin said that the rocks came from a water leak when K&N hit water line by the Ice House Inn. Bruce said they also discussed bid for inspecting the old water tower. Melvin received a bid from Midco Diving: ROV Inspection & DVD - $1998.00; Cleaning Pricing – $500 an hour; EPA Region written report - $200 each.

Melvin Gilbert gave the Public Works Director report. He said Grand Avenue work is finished. The cost for the street was $9900 for milling and $1109 for oil & chip. The water is on at Dollar General and the ball field fence is up at the Holy Redeemer Ball Park. Melvin asked what they wanted to do about the tower inspection. Steve Schultz made a motion to have done by Midco Diving and Debbie Harshman seconded motion. Motion carried with 6 ayes, 0 nays and 0 absent.

Bob Dieker said he has received lots of compliments from work being done by David Patton. He is doing very good work.

Jeff Hogge said he has been attending a lot of meetings and have worked on code violations. He attended PCEDC special meeting on Hwy 54 expansion and okayed the start of road work on Grand Ave. Also had training for the Code Red System. He attended the Grand Opening of Sass Brewery.

Jeff said they received a quote from Keith Wyatt for pushing dirt and leveling on the 7 acres in the Industrial Park. The dirt and rock is from where Dollar General is being built. The quote is for $150 an hour and Keith thought it would take 10 - 12 hours to complete. Bruce Kendall made a motion to move forward and Steve Schultz seconded the motion. Motion carried with 6 ayes, 0 nays and 0 absent.

On July 14, at 10 A.M. we will have the bid opening for Rodgers Street at Barry City Hall. We got approval from IDOT to do this.

The council discussed the tree removal on Williams Street. Trees were on South side of sidewalk. Council said they need to replace trees and Terry Beard said no smaller than 46 inches around and on their property and need to remove the tree stumps. Scott Harris stated if they don't have room on their property then let them plant the trees somewhere else. Debbie Harshman asked where do we suggest planting trees. Melvin Gilbert said to plant them at Holy Redeemer Park and Bob Dieker said we need to get hard wood trees back. Council agreed to have them purchase trees - 4 inch diameter and remove tree stumps, plant 2 trees at their property and 1 tree at Holy Redeemer Park.

Council received donation request from Barry Apple Festival. Steve Schultz made motion to do level of sponsorship same as last year for $500 and Terry Beard seconded the motion. Motion carried with 6 ayes, 0 nays and 0 absent.

Rodgers Street construction update is tabled to next month. Bob Dieker said we need to get good signage out whenever the work is started so people will know.

Mayor Rennecker discussed a possible street dedication through CIETEN property to create road into Bow Lake golf course. Bainter's would be interested for a possible route. Max Middendorf said it would cost a million dollars to finish like new. Bob Dieker said he not committing to anything until we know what is going on. The intersection is in bad shape. Bruce Kendall said we cannot put up enough money to fix the entrance and Scott Harris aid it is under maintained and under built. Steve Schultz stated we have a business that has put a lot of money in a golf course and if we don't have plans to create public access they will not be able to get anyone to build. We will build a road if they have interest. Jeff Hogge said we need to stake out roadway and need to have some kind of agreement. Bruce Kendall and Steve Schultz both said it needs to be surveyed. Debbie Harshman stated that since this is for the betterment of golf course, why can't they contact CIFTEN and ask for access. If they can come together and work together it would help.

Mayor Rennecker discussed a 4-way stop sign at the intersection of Mortimer Street and Greene Street. The police committee had looked into this and Sgt. Pennock thought it would be good idea for a stop sign there. Terry Beard said there are multiple intersections that don't have stop signs; they are not for speed control. Steve Schultz said two warning signs are needed because of trees that would block the stop sign. Bob Dieker made a motion to put 4-way stop sign at intersection of Mortimer and Greene. Steve Schultz seconded the motion. Roll call taken:

Terry Beard - no Scott Harris - yes Steve Schultz - yes Bob Dieker - no Bruce Kendall - yes Debbie Harshman - no Mayor Rennecker - yes Motion carried with 4 ayes, 3 nays and 0 absent. Mayor Rennecker voted yes to break the tie vote. Melvin asked if they wanted two stop ahead signs or one. Steve Schultz said two, we can always take one down later. Need flashing sign.

Scott Harris made motion to adjourn and Steve Schultz seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 P.M.

Mayor

City Clerk