New Carlisle Council re-elects leadership, approves settlement on water territory and fees

The New Carlisle Town Council reorganized its leadership and approved a legal settlement at its Jan. 6 general meeting. Marcy Kauffman was re-elected council president and Jerry Colanese was elected vice president in 5-0 votes. The council also approved a stipulation and settlement with St. Joseph County concerning water territory and authorized a fee reimbursement agreement to cover attorney redrafting costs up to $1,500.

The leadership votes were moved and seconded during the meeting; Colanese nominated Kauffman for president with Council Member Alison Abbott seconding, and Kauffman nominated Colanese for vice president with Council Member Will Short seconding. Both motions carried unanimously.

Town Attorney Andrea Halpin and Town Engineer Jared Huss explained the settlement terms to the council, describing the package as part of ongoing filings with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). Halpin said the settlement requires two documents: the stipulation and settlement with St. Joseph County and a related fee reimbursement agreement for attorney work on testimony and redrafting language. The council voted 5-0 to approve the stipulation and then voted 5-0 to approve the fee reimbursement agreement for attorney costs not to exceed $1,500.

President Kauffman also proposed keeping current commission assignments unchanged; Vice President Colanese moved to reappoint members to the same commissions, and the motion carried 5-0.

The meeting ended after approval of the claim docket and payroll allowance, also by unanimous vote. The council adjourned at 7:20 PM.