West Central Reporter

City of Rushville City Council met May 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

PUBLIC HEARING

REGARDING THE PROPOSED APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE 2024-2025 FISCAL YEAR

The following were in attendance: Mayor Jeff Ervin; Council Members – Susan Acker, Terry Dodds, Bob Fishel, Bryan Matteson, Barry Rebman, and Paul Trimble; City Clerk, Stacey Briney; and Moe Billingsley of The Rushville Times.

The public hearing was called to review the proposed appropriation ordinance for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Notice was posted to meet state requirements.

Acker MOVED TO ADJOURN. Fishel SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 6 YEAS – Acker, Dodds, Fishel, Matteson, Rebman, & Trimble; 0 NAYS; 2 ABSENT – Davis & Ryan. THE PUBLIC HEARING STOOD ADJOURNED AT 6:52 P.M.

RUSHVILLE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

1. ROLL CALL & CALL TO ORDER

The Rushville City Council met in the meeting room of the City Hall Building. Upon convening, Mayor Jeff Ervin directed City Clerk, Stacey Briney to call the roll. Upon ROLL CALL, the following answered present: Council Members: Susan Acker, Richard Davis, Terry Dodds, Bob Fishel, Bryan Matteson, Barry Rebman, Mike Ryan, and Paul Trimble. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.

Others present included: City Clerk, Stacey Briney; Superintendent of Operations, Eric Thurman; Chief of Police, Rick Wright; Moe Billingsley of The Rushville Times; Mike Grate, City Clerk’s Office; Terri Belville and Evan Harrison, representing the Scripps Park Board; Economic Development Director, Schuyler Isley; Golf Course Superintendent, Andy Ebey; Mike Farniok and Chris Icenogle.

OPENING PRAYER

The Opening Prayer was led by Mayor Jeff Ervin.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Ervin.

3. CONSENT AGENDA

All items on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member so requests, in which event, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as the first item after approval of the Consent Agenda.

a) Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting April 15, 2024

b) Approve the Minutes of the Street Committee Meetings held April 9, 2024; Finance Committee Meeting held April 15, 2024; Sidewalk & Lighting Committee Meeting held April 15, 2024; & Combined Water & Sewer Committee Meeting held April 24, 2024

c) Approve “Claims for Council Approval Dated 04/30/24” & Accept Monthly Reports

d) Approve “Claims for Council Approval Dated 05/06/24” & Accept Monthly Reports

e) Consider Line Item Transfers

f) Consider Mayoral Appointments

g) Present Report of Licenses Issued May 6, 2024

h) Approve Public Notice of the Regular Meeting Dates of the City Council for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year

i) Pass & Adopt Resolution No. 1151, Designating a Depository and Authorizing Signatures (RSB)

j) Pass & Adopt Resolution No. 1152, Designating a Depository and Authorizing Signatures (Morton Community Bank)

k) Pass & Adopt Resolution No. 1153, Designating a Depository and Authorizing Signatures (1st Bankers Trust)

l) Pass & Adopt Resolution No. 1154, Designating a Depository and Authorizing Signatures (West Central Bank)

m) Pass & Adopt Resolution No. 1155, Resolution Appointing City Attorney

n) Approve $500 Donation for Veteran’s Flags in Central Park (as per past practice)

o) Approve $3,000 Donation to Schuyler County Fair for Fireworks (as per past practice)

p) Consider Closing West Madison Street from the Hospital Parking Lot to South Congress Street on Wednesday, May 15th, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for the Jail Museum’s Colonial Days

q) Approve Reserving Central Park and Closing off the Inside Driving Lanes on June 1st for Gloves Across Rushville Fundraiser

r) Approve Appointment of Scott Bickerman to the Scripps Park Board

s) Consider Loan Reimbursement

t) Pass & Adopt Ordinance No. 1375, Vacating Alleyway

u) Approve Hiring Benton & Associates to Develop & Submit the City’s Source Water Protection Plan at a Cost not to Exceed $1,500

Rebman MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. Fishel SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 8 YEAS – Acker, Davis, Dodds, Fishel, Matteson, Rebman, Ryan, & Trimble; 0 NAYS; 0 ABSENT.

4. ITEMS TO BE REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA – IF APPLICABLE All items were approved on the Consent Agenda.

5. DISCUSS & CONSIDER AMENDING CLASS F, GOLF COURSE LIQUOR LICENSE, TO INCLUDE SPIRITS

Fishel MOVED TO APPROVE AMENDING THE CLASS F, GOLF COURSE LIQUOR LICENSE, TO INCLUDE SPIRITS. Ryan SECONDED, THE MOTION CARRIED WITH A ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Davis, Dodds, Fishel, Matteson, Rebman, Ryan, & Trimble; 1 NAYS – Acker; 0 ABSENT.

6. DISCUSS & CONSIDER ALLOWING SCRIPPS PARK BOARD TO INSALL A BAR IN THE PRO SHOP

Scripps Park Board President, Terri Belville presented a drawing of the Pro Shop and where the board is proposing the bar go. Said drawing is attached and a part of these minutes. Belville noted the board would like to change the word “bar” to “lounge”. Belville reported the board would like to propose the bar be installed in the sunroom of the Pro Shop because the double doors from the main entrance can be closed and locked when the bar is not in use. Belville said the basement cannot be closed off because that is the only place a person that cannot climb steps can use the restroom. Belville stated this seems like the cheapest way to do this and they are going to put a few tables in there so there can still be meetings.

Belville said they moved a big cooler behind the counter and now there is space to add a few tables in the main part of the Pro Shop for people to eat, especially the kids. Council Member, Barry Rebman stated the young ones are the future of the golf course and with this bar in the sunroom, we are telling the kids that it is off limits which Rebman feels could pose a problem. Parks & Recreation Committee Chairman, Terry Dodds asked how this would affect the summer camps like the Crossing, and Golf Superintendent, Andy Ebey noted they never utilize the Pro Shop.

Council Member, Mike Ryan asked if kids could go in this area if food was served, and Parks & Recreation Committee Member, Bob Fishel said they could not because of the alcohol being served. Fishel stressed that his concern was where the kids could go and sit now.

Fishel asked if the board had figured on what the extra cost would be for food, inventory, payroll, etc., and Belville stated the park should profit as long as they sell the product. Belville reported that it is very expensive to run a golf course and if the board does not come up with a way to make money, then they will not be able to pay for their chemicals, etc. Rebman noted if this does not pan out, then the board is just that much further behind. Belville said that was a gamble that she feels the board has to take.

Chris Icenogle addressed the board and said that he has golfed at Scripps Park for thirty (30) years and the course is in great shape and they are seeing more play than before. Icenogle stated he is seeing a lot of golfers in the parking lot or sitting in their carts finishing their drinks and if they had a lounge, they would go in there and drink. Icenogle noted he feels this would be a very good investment. Rebman asked what stops the golfers from doing this now because they could buy a beer and go down and sit in the sunroom and watch TV. Belville stressed that it is the ambiance and they feel you have to develop it for people to come.

Dodds asked if Belville had a more accurate figure than the Nine Thousand Dollars ($9,000) that was approved. Belville stated they needed a number for the appropriations and that was the maximum dollar amount which included everything from the labor, TV’s, coolers, etc. Belville noted she thinks they can do this for about Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000).

Parks & Recreation Committee Member, Susan Acker asked if anyone was for sure that kids could go in the sunroom, and City Clerk, Stacey Briney noted they cannot unless they are with their parents no matter if food was sold or not. Mayor Ervin stressed that this is a city ordinance and he is not going to change it.

Belville reported this is not a private club it is just to build ambiance. Clerk Briney reminded Belville that they can only serve until 8:00 p.m., and Belville noted she talked to the State about this and there is a form to fill out to get it changed.

Council Member, Bryan Matteson asked if there was any other option to put this bar, and Council Member, Richard Davis said the basement could be. Mayor Ervin stated there are more options but it would cost more money. Matteson wondered if the council should wait to hear from City Attorney, Erin Wilson-Laegeler on this regarding the kids before we vote, and Mayor Ervin said that will not make much difference because they cannot be down there. Acker noted that she is not for this and her concern is are people going out there to golf, or are they going out there to lounge. Acker stressed that her decision is nothing against any board member, it is just in her heart that she cannot vote for it. Belville said she was okay with that and this is why there are boards.

Ryan MOVED TO APPROVE ALLOWING SCRIPPS PARK BOARD TO INSTALL A BAR IN THE SUNROOM OF THE PRO SHOP. Fishel SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH A ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 5 YEAS – Dodds, Fishel, Ryan, Trimble, & Davis; 3 NAYS – Matteson, Rebman, & Acker; 0 ABSENT.

7. PASS & ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 1376, ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE

Dodds MOVED TO PASS & ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 1376, ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE. Fishel SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 8 YEAS – Fishel, Matteson, Rebman, Ryan, Trimble, Acker, Davis, & Dodds; 0 NAYS; 0 ABSENT.

8. DISCUSS & CONSIDER 2ND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1377, ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SALARIES, WAGES, AND BENEFITS FOR CITY DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENTS AND EMPLOYEES

Matteson MOVED TO PASS ORDINANCE NO. 1377, ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SALARIES, WAGES, AND BENEFITS FOR CITY DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENTS AND EMPLOYEES TO THE THIRD (3RD) READING. Fishel SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH A ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 7 YEAS – Matteson, Rebman, Ryan, Acker, Davis, Dodds, & Fishel; 1 NAY – Trimble; 0 ABSENT.

9. DISCUSS & CONSIDER AMENDING THE NUMBER OF CLASS C, BEER & WINE LIQUOR LICENSE

Mayor Ervin reported since Attorney Wilson-Laegeler could not be here, this item will be placed on the next council agenda.

10. DISCUSS & CONSIDER RENTING A VAC TRAILER

Water Committee Chairman, Paul Trimble reported the committee had met and discussed renting a vac trailer to help with the lead and copper project that the city has to do. Water Committee Member, Ryan said it will cost Seventeen Thousand Dollars ($17,000) for two (2) months to rent this trailer. Trimble stated having this will eliminate having to dig a big hole because it would just be focused on one (1) spot. Mayor Ervin stressed this would be very beneficial for the city to rent because we are going to have to dig approximately three hundred to four hundred (300-400) holes and do inventory for the EPA to figure out how many lead services we have in the city. Mayor Ervin noted the committee decided to rent a vac trailer to do this so the city did not have to tear up the streets or people’s yards. Mayor Ervin said the city has the option to buy a vac trailer and the amount of rental would go towards the purchase price. Rebman stated a vac trailer is very quick and easy and you do not really have to worry about the utilities. A discussion followed.

Trimble MOVED TO APPROVE RENTING A VAC TRAILER AT A COST OF EIGHT THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($8,500) PER MONTH FOR THE MONTHS OF JUNE AND JULY. Fishel SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 8 YEAS – Rebman, Ryan, Trimble, Acker, Davis, Dodds, Fishel, & Matteson; 0 NAYS; 0 ABSENT.

11. COUNCIL MEMBER & OFFICIAL’S REPORTS

Council Member, Susan Acker asked if there was any new on the contract to tear the house down, and Clerk Briney said she has not heard anything but sent the information that Attorney Wilson-Laegeler sent her over to Hood’s.

Water Committee Member, Bryan Matteson reported he attended the pay progress meeting last Friday. Matteson stated hilltop is underway, the stem is done, and they are just waiting on the ring for the tank. Matteson said the painting on the water tower was supposed to have started and they are hoping to have it done by June. Matteson noted the city switched water towers on April 26th which made the pressure go up and caused several water mains to blow up all over town.

Matteson also reported that Benton & Associates have all of the equipment in place for the GIS and are ready to go in the field. Matteson stated Benton’s would like to be onsite with the vac trailer to start shooting.

Cemetery Committee Chairman, Bryan Matteson reported the cemetery is a little behind on the weed eating. Cemetery Committee Member, Davis asked if Cemetery Sexton, George Vincent is going to call the kids back tomorrow, and Matteson said he did not know. Davis said Vincent is not happy with the kids this year. Mayor Ervin stressed that the cemetery needs weed eaters.

Council Member, Terry Dodds thanked the city workers on an amazing job they had done to keep water going in the city.

Airport Committee Member, Richard Davis reported Jonnie Vincent called him and he is concerned about the fence on the north side of the hangar. Davis said Vincent wondered if the city could replace it. Dodds noted this is something that should have been appropriated for if the council had known. Airport Committee Chairman, Matteson stated this is the first he has heard of this.

Council Member, Richard Davis also reported that Brian Tomlinson would like to move a double wide trailer from West Clinton to East Clinton. Mayor Ervin said he wants to tear down the old trailer on East Clinton before he moves the other one. Davis stressed that it would be an improvement.

Council Member, Barry Rebman read a letter of resignation. Said letter is attached and a part of these minutes.

12. ADJOURN

Dodds MOVED TO ADJOURN. Matteson SECONDED, AND THE MOTION CARRIED WITH AN ALL “YEA” ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 8 YEAS – Ryan, Trimble, Acker, Davis, Dodds, Fishel, Matteson, & Rebman; 0 NAYS; 0 ABSENT. THE MEETING STOOD ADJOURNED ACCORDINGLY AT 7:42 P.M.

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