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Decatur council adopts ordinance adding annual code supplement, approves opioid settlement funds for transitional housing plans
Summary
At its April 1 meeting the City of Decatur Common Council adopted Ordinance 2025-2 (adding Supplement 9 to the City Code) and approved using $1,270.69 in opioid settlement funds to support transitional housing efforts; the council also authorized USI to prepare estimates for a potential Community Crossing grant application.
On April 1, the City of Decatur Common Council adopted Ordinance 2025-2, adding Supplement 9 (ordinances adopted through 2024) to the city code. The measure passed on a roll-call vote 4-0, with Council members Jenny Bowers-Shultz, Matt Dyer, Tyler Fullenkamp and Scott Murray voting in favor and Abby Wilder absent.
The ordinance was read on the floor by City Attorney Anne Razo; Council member Jenny Bowers-Shultz moved to place the measure on first reading by short title, the Council suspended the rules for a second reading, and then Bowers-Shultz moved to adopt on second reading. The adoption brings Decatur’s code up to date through 2024.
Mayor Rickord told the Council that Ron Dull of the Berne City Council contacted him about using local opioid settlement funds to support transitional housing in partnership with Crossroads Community/Project Connect. Clerk-Treasurer Kevin Hackman reported the opioid fund balance was $1,270.69. Council member Matt Dyer moved to allow use of that balance for prevention and recovery efforts; the motion, seconded by Jenny Bowers-Shultz, was adopted.
Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert asked the Council to authorize the engineering firm USI to compile cost estimates for a possible Community Crossing Matching Funds application for the July 2025 round. Gilbert said the state match formula had changed from 75/25 to 80/20. Council member Matt Dyer moved to proceed with USI studying candidate streets and preparing a proposal; the motion was adopted.
Mayor Rickord also reported that disc golfers have requested an expansion of the Kekionga course from nine holes to 18. He said a grant was received to cover part of the cost and that Bunge funded the remaining expense; the company plans to use the upgraded course for an employee-family event.
In department updates, Gilbert said heavy trash pickup is scheduled for next week. Fire Chief Jeff Sheets reported the Survive Alive education program has started for the year. Clerk-Treasurer Kevin Hackman said he and Chief Sheets will meet to develop options for purchasing a new fire truck and may bring a plan to a future meeting.
Votes at a glance: the Council adopted Ordinance 2025-2 (mover: Jenny Bowers-Shultz; second: Scott Murray; roll-call 4-0, one absent); approved use of $1,270.69 in opioid settlement funds to support transitional housing efforts (mover: Matt Dyer; second: Jenny Bowers-Shultz; adopted); authorized USI to prepare Community Crossing estimates (mover: Matt Dyer; second: Scott Murray; adopted); approved payment of city claims (mover: Scott Murray; second: Jenny Bowers-Shultz; adopted). With no further business, the Council adjourned at 6:37 P.M.
The meeting record shows the Council took routine administrative actions and moved forward on planning and small-scale funding decisions; it did not record any contested votes or extended debate on the items described.
