Middletown Town Council approves storm-sewer payment, police equipment purchase and an additional appropriation

The Middletown Town Council on March 21 approved a set of routine municipal actions, including payment to a contractor on a storm‑sewer project, authorization for a police equipment purchase, approval of a small change order for the town’s water treatment project and an additional appropriation spanning six funds.

Town Council President Jake Smith opened the meeting at 7 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room at 653 Locust Street. Clerk‑Treasurer Drew Cooper noted that Council Members Jake Smith, Betty Riley, Dave Wagner, Donita Chambless and Gary Kendall and Town Attorney Joel Harvey were present.

Council Member Donita Chambless moved to authorize the Town Marshal to purchase a gun rack for Deputy Mike Vacarro’s squad car for approximately $1,500 plus installation; Dave Wagner seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The council then approved a motion by Wagner authorizing the Town Marshal to send a letter to the homeowner at 364 N. 6th Street imposing a $100 fine plus removal expenses for a couch left at the curb, and warning that a second offense would carry a $300 fine plus removal expenses; Gary Kendall seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Matt Spidel of Butler‑Fairman‑Seufert advised the council he would prepare a proposal to investigate foundation settling at the Municipal Building and "could have a proposal ready for the April 4 meeting," the council recorded. Spidel then presented Change Order No. 3 for the Water Treatment Plant Replacement Project totaling $4,930.73 to add an automatic gate around the utility works. Dave Wagner moved to approve the change order provided the Town Marshal approves the security method used on the gate; Betty Riley seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Betty Riley moved to authorize Clerk‑Treasurer Drew Cooper to pay contractor Brackney Inc. the amount specified in Pay Estimate #1, $208,608.76, for the 8th Street Storm Sewer Project; Donita Chambless seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Dave Wagner proposed using $5,000 of SRF contingency funds remaining from the Water Treatment Plant Replacement Project to purchase a backup chlorine pump. Spidel said he would create a change order for that purchase, and Wagner subsequently withdrew his motion.

During a public hearing, the council considered Resolution 2017‑03‑21‑01, an Additional Appropriation that moved funds into several accounts. The resolution authorized the following increases: General Fund $18,425.00; MVH Fund $10,000.00; Rainy Day Fund $21,984.95; LOIT Spec Dist Fund $10,510.18; INDOT Grant Fund $32,812.62. Donita Chambless moved to approve the additional appropriation, Gary Kendall seconded, and the council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.

With no further business the council adjourned. The meeting record lists Clerk‑Treasurer Drew Cooper’s signature on the minutes.

Votes at a glance: • Gun rack for deputy’s squad car (approx. $1,500 plus installation): moved by Donita Chambless; seconded by Dave Wagner; outcome: approved (unanimous). • Letter/fine to 364 N. 6th Street for curbside couch: moved by Dave Wagner; seconded by Gary Kendall; outcome: approved (unanimous). • WTP Change Order No. 3 ($4,930.73) for automatic gate: moved by Dave Wagner (contingent on Town Marshal’s approval); seconded by Betty Riley; outcome: approved (unanimous). • Payment to Brackney Inc., Pay Estimate #1 ($208,608.76): moved by Betty Riley; seconded by Donita Chambless; outcome: approved (unanimous). • Use of $5,000 SRF contingency for backup chlorine pump: motion withdrawn by Dave Wagner. • Resolution 2017‑03‑21‑01 (Additional Appropriation across six funds): moved by Donita Chambless; seconded by Gary Kendall; outcome: approved (unanimous).