OurWeek
Marion city council, in their own words
in Grant County · Regular meeting · 2026-07-21 · full transcript
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka9d9PFhvsg
Exported Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:25:07 GMT

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Indexed at https://ourweek.in/grant-county/reports/marion-city-council-indexed

    0:14  We'll go ahead and uh bring tonight's council meeting to order. Um first thing on the agenda is we'll have pair prayer
    0:22  and uh pastor Alex Husky, very good friend of mine, uh he has graciously offered to do our prayer tonight. Alex, thank you very much for that. And then
    0:31  while we're standing, David uh Councilman David Kaine will lead us in the pledge of allegiance. So everybody please stand.
    0:40  If we can just bow briefly.
    0:44  Gracious and merciful God, the God of our hope, the God of our joy, the God of our peace, we have gathered in this place today to
    0:53  give you thanks for the love that you have shown us and your mercies who have
    0:59  which are in renewed daily. We thank you, Lord, for the work that's being done even on this evening. And even as
    1:08  we have enjoyed 250 years of independence as a nation, we're thankful that we can still depend on you. So
    1:17  tonight, I ask a blessing over all who have answered the call to care for your people and have been
    1:25  elected to represent those who are governed.
    1:29  The constitution of this great nation reminds us that governments are instituted among men deriving their
    1:36  powers from the consent of the govern to secure the rights of mankind.
    1:42  So tonight as we conduct this business, I ask you to move in the hearts and the minds of your people and your elected
    1:49  officials that this which is your perfect will may be done for the needs of the people who have elected them to
    1:57  be governed. We praise you. We thank you. We honor you in your son Jesus name. Amen.
    2:04  Remain standing and join with me the pledge of allegiance.
    2:08  I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
    2:18  under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
    2:27  Thank you, Alex. Thank you, Mr. Kane. Okay. Uh, roll call, please.
    2:36  Kane here.
    2:37  Reyes here. Ford.
    2:39  Brunner here. Klein.
    2:41  Marshall here.
    2:42  Whitten here. Divine.
    2:45  Cowgill here.
    2:49  Next on the agenda, we uh we got kind of a special group of young men and women with us tonight that um are part of
    2:58  they're they're going to well Aaron Murray is is kind of the guy leading the the charge here, I believe. And um if
    3:06  you would like Aaron um come on up. Come all the way up here and uh
    3:13  I'd like for you to have the your team up here too. They can file in behind me, stand in behind me. But these guys are
    3:20  going to be part of the International Children's Games.
    3:25  And instead of me saying anything, I'm going to let you just do it so I don't screw it up in any way. So very proud of these guys, though.
    3:39  Just kind of just come in behind, guys. Just kind of evenly. Yeah.
    3:52  Yeah, I know. Well, if you wouldn't matter. My bad.
    3:57  Members of the city council, members of Marian community, thank you for allowing us to speak on behalf of the team Mary and USA delegation. In just over a week,
    4:06  our delegation will depart for WIN, Taiwan to participate in the international children's games. Our group is part of over 1,600 athletes
    4:14  from 1660 60 countries who will be competing in this Olympic style event.
    4:19  Approximately 57 athletes, coaches, delegation leaders, parents, and family members and supporters will make the trip from Grant County. At the center of
    4:28  that delegation are 18 young athletes who you see behind me who will compete in boys soccer, girls soccer, and boys
    4:34  basketball. These athletes attend schools throughout Marian and Grant County and the surrounding areas. They play for different schools and local
    4:42  Marian clubs, but when they arrive in Taiwan, they will compete under one name, Team Marion USA. It is worth taking a moment to put that into
    4:50  perspective. Of the 16.5 million 12 to 15 year olds in the United States, the only 18 athletes representing our
    4:58  country in these three respective sports at this year's games will be our athletes from Marian and Grant County.
    5:05  on the world stage. These young people will not only represent themselves and their families, but also the city of Marian, Grant County, the state of
    5:12  Indiana, and the United States. No pressure, kids.
    5:17  That is an extraordinary responsibility, but is also an extraordinary opportunity. The International Children's Games are about much more
    5:24  than athletic competition. Started in the 1960s, these games give young people the opportunity to experience another
    5:31  culture, meet athletes around the world, and to learn what it means to represent something larger than themselves. This experience would not be possible without
    5:40  tremendous community support. On behalf of the delegation, I want to thank the city of Marian, the Community Foundation of Grant County, our sponsors, local
    5:49  businesses, charitable organizations, schools, coaches, families, volunteers, and everyone else who has contributed financially or helped behind the scenes.
    5:58  People have provided so much and made so many sacrifices to help these young people reach this international stage.
    6:04  Their investment is about much more than funding a trip. They are investing in the confidence, education, leadership, independence, and personal development
    6:12  of this ath of these athletes. This experience will shape how they see the world and perhaps more importantly, how they see their own place in it. We are
    6:21  grateful for this recognition this evening, grateful for their the support that has made this opportunity possible, and proud to carry the name of Marion
    6:28  with us to Taiwan. Our delegation will depart next Wednesday, July 29th at 5:30 from the city hall parking lot just across the street from these chambers.
    6:37  We would invite each and every one of you along with members of the community to join us in sending this delegation off. It would mean a great deal to our
    6:45  athletes to see the community standing behind them as they begin this journey.
    6:49  They may be traveling literally halfway around the world, but they will be taking with them the pride, encouragement, and support of Marian and Grant County. At this time, I would like
    6:58  to introduce Jonathan Perez, who will travel with us this year as the boys soccer coach. Thank you.
    7:06  I don't have to bend over quite as far, so I appreciate that. [clears throat] Thanks, Aaron. Um, members of the council, member,
    7:14  everybody's here. Uh, Ronnie's not here, so I get to Don't tell him that I'm giving him some props. So, um, but, uh, for those who don't know me, uh, I am
    7:23  Jonathan Perez. I previously served as chief of staff here and was part of the original original delegations that went to these games. Uh this year I'm
    7:32  grateful to return in a very different role serving as the head coach of the boys and a parent traveling with the delegation. Um,
    7:40  my original connection with the games at that time was very early in my 20s, recently out of school where I was chief of staff. Uh, and I was fortunate to
    7:48  help the city and, uh, Mayor Morell himself was involved in the during that same time slightly from a different
    7:55  perspective. While the mayor is not that much younger than I, I was beginning my professional career while he was wrapping up his high school career. And
    8:02  I will let you guys decide which one of us that makes us sound older because I'm going to vote for him. But more importantly, Mayor Moral was an athlete
    8:10  of one of those last delegations that the city of Marian sent. Um he experienced firsthand what this opportunity can mean to a young person
    8:18  and he knows what it's like to leave Marian compete internationally and have those lessons. Um so for that I want to
    8:25  thank him for bringing it full circle uh leadership and bringing it back and giving the the kids the same opportunity that that he had. um
    8:35  the the kids and and the kids. I just want you guys to know and you guys to hear us say um when you step onto that
    8:43  field or the court, you're representing much more than yourselves. You're representing all of us and the families in the schools and we know you'll carry
    8:49  that with pride. Um we are very proud of you. We believe in all of you and uh we look forward to seeing how you will represent us. Thank you.
    9:05  [applause]
    9:08  Um, I I would just like to say to all you guys th this is an unbelievable opportunity. I would have loved to have had the opportunity when I was a young
    9:17  athlete many many years ago. Um, good luck. I think it's it's unbelievable that these the only ones in
    9:25  representing the USA are all from Marian and Grant County. That's that's phenomenal. And I want to thank the coaches and Brandon and all you guys for
    9:34  doing this. Um, man, I'm pumped for you guys. I really am. I What time is it you're leaving next Wednesday? 5:30.
    9:41  Oh, wait. 5:30 in the morning.
    9:43  Oh, okay. Gary say I'm sorry to say I'll be there. I Wait a minute. Uh, no. Okay. Yeah. Right over here. I'll I'll be one of the ones there
    9:52  to send you guys off and tell you guys good luck. Um, just why don't you guys just say your name real quick so at least we all know who you are. Just we'll start with you and go on down.
   10:04  My name is the girls
   10:25  head basketball. Good deal.
   10:28  So you're you're the coach. God, you look young enough. He's I thought he was one of the players.
   10:34  And And what is the age groups of the all the athletes? 12 to 15. 12 to 15 years old. Phenomenal guys.
   10:40  This very good. Any of other council people like to say anything?
   10:43  I have a question. Will any of this be on YouTube or any of the games that we can view eventually or not?
   11:07  Great. Thanks, Aaron. Aaron, how long will you guys be down there?
   11:15  And this is yearly that you're you're going to keep this going, right?
   11:18  Yeah, we the city of Mary did it for about 10 years 10 years ago and then we're starting it up again. And the goal is to just going year after year after
   11:27  year. [clears throat] That's awesome. Marian's known for turning out some great athletes, so I I'm This is really cool. Well, next year, where where do you go next year?
   11:38  Greece.
   11:38  Oh, maybe you need a cameraman next year. I'm willing to go. So, all right. Anybody else, guys?
   11:45  Well, I just it's wonderful opportunity for you guys and and uh enjoy yourselves.
   13:48  Okay. Next up, we'll have uh the consent agenda.
   13:53  There are any questions or comments about the consent agendas? If not, I will entertain a motion.
   14:00  Mr. President, I move that we pass the consent agenda in full. Second.
   14:05  Okay, we have a motion by excuse me, Councilman Kaine. Second by Councilman was it Brener? Brener.
   14:14  Roll call, please.
   14:16  Kane, I. Reyes. I. Brunner. I. Marshall. I. Whitten. Yes. Calgill.
   14:24  I.
   14:26  Any committee reports at this time? I know most of our committee people are gone tonight.
   14:34  No, don't see any. Okay, we'll move on to unfinished business. Uh resolution 10 2022.
   14:46  A resolution of the common council for Marian Indiana approving a first amendment to a certain economic development agreement. Prismian Cables
   14:54  and Systems USA speaking. Uh Joe Murphy. Welcome Joe.
   15:01  Good evening council members. Pleasure to be in front of you once again. Um this is a project that's that's uh now
   15:08  come across four individual agendas. So just to kind of bring everybody back into the full picture, um would want to start here with just a general summary
   15:17  overview of the project. So, um, we originally began this project back in, um, April when we began to talk with the
   15:24  company about this investment. It is a $32 million investment in their existing facility just outside of this facility
   15:31  over here over on um, Fourth Street. Uh, 28 million of that would be invested in new personal property to expand operations at the facility. It would
   15:39  also come with 29 new jobs, which would be paid a um above average county wage for the position uh averaging out around
   15:47  $30, $31 an hour. Um, we originally brought the economic development agreement as well as the declaratory
   15:54  resolution to the council on June 2nd seeking a approval of a 10-year 75% tax abatement which would have delivered an
   16:03  estimated 1.13 million in savings to the company over the life of the abatement the full 10
   16:10  years. Um, however, since that original approval on June 2nd, we did receive word through a memo from the Department
   16:18  of Local Government and Finance, the DLGF, that they were going to be changing their interpretation of certain statute around treatment of personal property inside of TIFFs. Um, you may or
   16:27  may not know that fairly recently the state of Indiana um essentially eliminated the depreciation floor for business personal
   16:34  property. It was originally that it would depreciate down to 30% and then remain at 30% for the remainder of its life before it was replaced. it can now depreciate down to zero. Uh the Indiana
   16:43  state statute was pretty clear though that any new property installed after 2025 inside of a tiff area that was
   16:51  established prior to 2025 would be excluded from that new law and would remain at that 30% floor. That was the language of the law as we understood it.
   17:00  However, the memo kind of cut against that and said that that new personal property would be depreciated down to zero. uh completely readjusting what we
   17:09  believe to be kind of the expected value of the abatement to the company. Um looking at a difference of roughly
   17:17  $600,000 in abatement value between the original interpretation and now this new interpretation. When we went and sought clarity from the DLGF on how they were
   17:26  going to treat this project specifically, um they didn't give us any kind of commitment as to how they were actually going to treat this moving forward. So at this point in time it
   17:33  remains unclear to myself as well as our colleagues at Baker Tilly and Barnes and Thornberg as to whether or not the original application will apply or this
   17:40  new application will apply. And so what we've had to do is is kind of craft a creative economic development agreement and actually amend our existing economic
   17:48  development agreement to account for this. So, what the new proposal would look like is a 10-year personal property abatement that would be 100% up to 100%
   17:57  I should say in years 1 and two and up to 90% in years 3 through 10. Um, this would require a little bit of extra work on behalf of the city. Essentially, what
   18:06  would occur would be that every year the company would come in and they would submit to us well and so you understand we just went through this process with the CF1s that May 15th is the deadline
   18:14  for those submitts. The company would come in a full month before that with their tax submittals and we would go through a calculation with the assistance of our controllers office and
   18:22  Baker Tilly to determine whether or not the application of that full value whether it be 100% in years 1 and two or
   18:29  90% years 3 through 10 would result in the new equipment assessing at a net assessed value threshold of above or
   18:36  below $7.1 million. and whether or not the estimated savings for the company would be over or above what was
   18:43  estimated in the original savings document. And so with those two triggers, we actually have some protection for the city. So while we are
   18:51  providing what is on paper, additional embaitment that is to secure the savings for the company in the event that this new interpretation applies. However, we
   18:59  do have the mechanisms both the NAB threshold as well as the personal property abatement cap to pull back those abatement savings and those
   19:07  abatement percentages all the way back to the original 75 if the original interpretation does stand in the future
   19:14  or some varied approach gets applied in the future that we can't predict today.
   19:18  So again, it gives us the flexibility to treat it in either direction depending on how the DLGF ultimately decides to to land on this issue. Um, but as you'll
   19:27  see in the attachments to your updated EDA, appendix A includes the original schedule and you can see there that
   19:34  again 1.133 million in savings over the 10 years largely delivered in years 2 through six, 2 through 7. Um, and that's the original abatement schedule. And
   19:42  then you can look at the abatement schedule revised abatement schedule on appendix B and you'll see that again applying these new higher abatement
   19:51  levels you receive that exact same amount or nearly identical amount of savings 1.135 in this case. So in every
   19:58  any given year we wouldn't expect to see additional savings earned as a result of this higher abatement. We're just trying to honor the original intent of the
   20:06  abatement, which was to deliver that $1.13 million in savings to the company over 10 years in exchange for their new investment in our community. So, that is
   20:14  what we attempt to address through this economic development agreement. We're now in a position where we have to go forward with uh approving that economic development agreement, the amended
   20:21  version, and then we'll we'll proceed on to approving the declaratory resolution resolution in the next step of the process after we perform the required
   20:30  public hearing. So, um, with that, I'll stop and see if you guys have any questions. I will mention we also do have our plant manager here for our
   20:37  local Prismian branch. Um, and then we also have Greg Balszano here from Baker Tilly. So, if there's any company or financial questions that I can't answer,
   20:45  I'll I'll gladly call those two gentlemen up to fill in the council.
   20:49  Now, Joe, I I appreciate I know you guys had to go back and and work hard and come up with kind of the um the B whether they're going to go with A or B.
   20:59  were covered either way.
   21:01  Um I so I I I commend you guys, all of you guys, you know, Barnsttover, Baker Tilly, everybody that worked hard on
   21:09  this. Um I don't know. I I don't necessarily agree with the way they're doing it, but
   21:17  of course I'm nobody, but I do know how hard you guys worked on this and I appreciate the fact that you did it to help cover everything.
   21:24  Yeah. And again, I I just reiterate that the the intent of this new revised economic development agreement is just to honor the intent of the original
   21:32  abatement, which we did approve through the first step of the process back in June, and then we were kind of upended during that process. And and I'll also point out that though it's for different
   21:41  reasons, we do perform a nearly identical process on on General Motors for their existing personal property tax abatement where we do have an NAV
   21:50  threshold that we monitor annually to be sure that the project is not overabated and that the the city's actual tax flow in is not being reduced above and beyond
   21:59  what would be appropriate. So, um we have experience with this kind of structure and we think it'll work just fine. And it's just again slightly more work every fall or every spring for us,
   22:07  but nothing we're not used to and capable of managing. Any questions from everybody else? Go ahead, Jeff.
   22:15  Do we know when the DLGF is going to make that decision? Like what does this look like? They're putting everybody on hold and we've had to adjust. I mean,
   22:23  can they come back and say, "Oh, we're going to go part one on this and here we go again." Yeah. I'm going to ask maybe Greg and
   22:31  Greg may not be able to give a great answer, but I think he'll probably be able to give a better one than I can.
   22:35  Um, thanks Joe. Greg Balsano, Baker Municipal Adviserss. Um, I unfortunately
   22:43  that's a great question where I don't think we have a a hard timing, you know, idea from the DGF as to when there future guidance could be provided. Uh, I
   22:51  wouldn't be surprised if something comes up in the next legislative session, maybe some clarity language potentially that then um clarifies the position of
   22:59  the the what was meant to be passed a few years ago. You know, I could see that happening, which would be, you know, spring of next year or spring in a later year. Um, so I think, you know,
   23:08  given that we don't really have a timing estimate and there there may not be future clarifying uh matters that I think, you know, as Joe mentioned, we
   23:15  did the best we could, you know, to try to cover both instances, not knowing again if that's a few months away or years away from being clarified. So,
   23:23  and then what does how does this affect the project and what what's going on at Prism and like when are they able to start and everything because we've been
   23:31  pushed back now. What does that look like timing wise? Yeah, I mean, um, I know the company's been they've been
   23:39  incredibly cooperative through this whole process and understanding and and obviously there's there's benefit to them going through this because they're going to receive the full original
   23:46  intent of their abatement if this is approved. But, um, they're they're chomping at the bit. Their their representative, both Justin behind me as well as their um, consultant on this
   23:54  project, Kathy Museio, have been calling me weekly asking, "When can we get our job postings out? When can we go ahead and procure our our material so we can
   24:02  get this installed?" So, um, they're they're going to commence as soon as we get this approved, and I think the intent is still to get, um, some small
   24:09  portion of the equipment installed this year, begin the hiring process for those new jobs this year, but the lion share will still be um, invested and installed
   24:17  in in 2027 and then through 2028. And I think their statement of benefits, yeah, if I'm not mistaken, calls for um, final
   24:26  investment to be made noses later than 1231 2027. And I believe they're going to continue to honor that timeline. So, the full amount of that investment, $32
   24:34  million in total, 28 personal property, um will be made uh by the end of next year.
   24:40  And that includes the jobs on that. All of those jobs will be hired as well during that before that deadline.
   24:46  That's correct. Yeah. Uh total of 29 new additional employees at a total salary of $ 1.92 million
   24:54  is what's currently estimated on their SP1 filing. So Joe, have they decided like when they make their their
   25:01  determination, let's say they go with the way a that we use always did it or now they go by this interpretation or
   25:09  however and now is that kind of then going to be is it's going to be that way from here on or are we going to be second guessing? You know what I mean?
   25:19  Yeah, I again I that's a good question.
   25:21  I don't know that I have a perfect answer for you. I would hope that um because I'm sure that every other community that's contemplating um
   25:29  similar type of baitments right now is dealing with a very similar type issue.
   25:32  I would hope that in this upcoming legislative session, they may try to adjust address that specifically in the language of the statute. So, we'll have
   25:40  final clarity one direction or the other at the end of the following legislative session. So, I would hope by this time next year we could likely have full
   25:48  clarity on how they're going to treat this moving forward, but um I can't say that for certain. Would you agree with that, Greg?
   25:58  Yeah. Anybody else? If not, I will entertain a motion.
   26:06  Mr. President, I move that we pass resolution number 10, 2026.
   26:14  Second.
   26:16  Have a motion by Councilman Kaine, a second by Councilman Whitten. Roll call, please. Kane. Hi.
   26:24  Reyes. Hi. Runner. Hi. Marshall. Hi. Whitten. Yes. Calgill. Hi.
   26:34  Okay. Move on to uh the confirmatory resolution 9A 2026.
   26:41  Confirmatory confirmatory resolution designating certain property as an economic revitalization area authorizing and approving statement of benefits.
   26:50  Prismian. speaking. Joe Murphy, economic development director.
   26:54  Yeah. So, this is um this is the actual formal process of approving the abatement. The economic development agreement that we just approved the amended version of kind of dictates
   27:02  process and how we actually treat the abatement once it's in effect. This is the actual act of approving the abatement. Um establishing the economic uh revitalization area and then
   27:11  approving the form of the abatement, which again, this new form would be a maximum of of 100% in years one and two and then 90% in years three through 10.
   27:20  Um and then you can see there on the exhibit A schedule that abatements may be reduced in any given year down to 75% based on that NAV threshold andor
   27:28  personal property abatement cap as further described in that EDA amendment.
   27:32  So um this is the formal action. I would remind you again that we approved the declaratory resolution kind of the the brother resolution to this document back
   27:40  in June. This is now the second step in confirmatory resolution this process and it does come with a public hearing but I had entertained any questions before that as well.
   27:50  Any questions before I open it up?
   27:56  Okay, seeing none, I will now open it up. This is a second reading public hearing. Anybody that would like to speak for or against this, you can come
   28:04  up to the mic. You'll have three minutes to speak. Uh state your name and your address and you can speak then.
   28:16  Yes, my name is Bill Creech 1409 Ironwood Marion. I just had a quick question. You guys had uh mentioned the
   28:24  29 jobs and we've done a lot of these tax abatements and things before and they didn't fulfill the amount of jobs
   28:33  that was required. Is there going to be some type of review process that if they do not hit that target
   28:43  that there's a decrease or some adjustment made in in what you're doing?
   28:49  Yeah, we review each one of our tax abatements every year, Mr. Creech. And they have, you know, they have to fit into these categories in order to receive their tax abatements.
   28:59  So, if they don't hit the job target number that they will not receive it?
   29:04  Well, it's up to the council at that point to whether decide whether they get it that year or not if they're not in compliance.
   29:10  So, the 29 is just a number.
   29:13  No, it's not a number. That's what they're saying.
   29:16  Okay. But I mean, if there's no teeth in it, then there's nothing to say. If they only put 15 in and you guys say that's okay, then that's that's the way it is.
   29:29  So, I might interject. You know, there's there is definitely teeth in it and you're You're going to hear that here later on in this meeting. Um and and another tax abatement. There is teeth.
   29:40  Um okay, maybe I'm just jumping a gun.
   29:43  No, you you're not. Good questions. Um but there is teeth, Mr. Thank you very much.
   29:58  Anybody else?
   30:02  All right, seeing nobody else come, I'm going to go ahead and close the public uh portion of this and is if if there's
   30:10  no other questions or concerns from the council, I'll entertain a motion there.
   30:14  Mr. President, I'm move that we pass confirmatory resolution number 9A 2026.
   30:23  Second.
   30:26  Okay, we got a motion by uh Councilman Kaine and a second by who is Was that was you Eric? Okay, by Eric. I'm sorry.
   30:35  I didn't know if it was you or Andy. It was Eric. Kane.
   30:40  I Reyes.
   30:42  I Brunner.
   30:43  I Marshall.
   30:44  I Whitten. Yes. Calgill. I.
   30:52  Okay. Okay, next up is the additional appropriation 132026.
   30:58  An additional appropriation appropriating $25,814 for a park bond. Speaking city administration.
   31:12  Good evening, council.
   31:15  Um, so we came a couple of weeks ago and we asked for the 360 68781 for the park bond. DGF has recalculated that park
   31:24  bond and um so now we're adding the 25814 that we would like additional appropriation to make the total payments for July and December for this year.
   31:35  So this just this 20 this just catches up on on all the bonds on the park bond. Yes sir. Okay.
   31:43  If this does pass um I'll bring it to you in nickels as long as Linda has to count it.
   31:50  Okay. That's agreed. Any questions, guys? Go ahead, Jim.
   31:59  Um, what is currently going on with the dog park? I know that about a month ago, we had a big, um, celebration out there.
   32:09  Um, they were a lot of people showed up and now, uh, I guess a day later, they
   32:16  said, "No, we can't do it right now." now. And now every day I go by there, I go by there every day to check it out
   32:22  and it still says no entrance. What has happened to that?
   32:29  Councilman Brunner, I honestly do not know, but I can get someone who does know. I can contact Rose and she can get in contact with you
   32:36  because I'm I'm the the park board representative and if you could have her giving me a call because I I've stopped by a couple times and I know she's got a
   32:45  somebody in her family's not well. So, but it it all of a sudden it went from
   32:51  we were opening it up and I don't think there's been a day that has that it has
   32:58  been open fully. So, if I can please get some information and the council council can get some information that that'd be
   33:06  very helpful because there's a lot of people asking me about it. Sure. I for you. Thank you.
   33:14  Anybody else? If not, I will take a motion.
   33:19  Does this go to a second reading or not?
   33:22  Yeah. Yeah, it does. Okay.
   33:24  Mr. President, I move that we pass additional appropriation number 13, 2026 to a second reading and public hearing.
   33:34  Second.
   33:35  Have a motion by Councilman Kaine, second by Councilman Brunner. Roll call, please.
   33:40  Kane, I. Reyes. I. Brunner. I.
   33:44  Marshall. I Whitten. Yes. Calgill.
   33:48  I Okay. Now, next up would be resolution and this would answer your question, Mr.
   33:57  Creech. Um on resolution 12, 2026 on uh historic Gallatin. This was to do
   34:06  with their tax abatement and um there was a problem of them not being in compliance with it. So, we voted to not
   34:16  give them the re resolution. So, now the people that they have an opportunity to, correct me if I'm wrong, Joe, or if
   34:23  you want to get up there, to plead their case, so to speak, when we do that. Um, we just got notification, Aisha, was it yesterday or today?
   34:33  I received the voicemail this morning when I returned.
   34:36  Yeah. Yeah, this morning that they just got their packet and it they have no time to make it here in time. So they
   34:43  ask us to kick this back to our next reading so that they can plead their case because we did vote to revoke their
   34:52  um tax abatement. So the teeth are in these if they are not in compliance.
   34:57  This is one that we revoked. Um am I about right there, Joe, or Yeah. No, spot on. And and to to further
   35:04  address uh Mr. Creature's question, which is a great question. Um yeah, so we we have both reactive power as well
   35:12  as forward thinking power within those economic development agreements for tax payments to to address issues with non-compliance. And so like you said,
   35:21  annually they'll be required to file um those CF1 forms. And if if it shows that they've not met their job totals, this council does have the ability to look
   35:30  back into the previous year and actually there's a there's a calculation inside of the economic development agreement that allows for you to reclaim some of that abatement that was received in the
   35:38  prior year. And you also have the ability to moving forward cancel out future years or completely up to completely um rendering the remaining
   35:46  years of the abatement null and void. So there there are certainly strong teeth in these documents and there's an expectation that if you don't perform then you'll be um you'll be challenged
   35:55  and this is a great example of that where we have a a a investor who um has has missed deadlines and has had some inconsistent filings and so we're trying
   36:04  to get to the bottom of that through this process and and like you said Mr.
   36:07  President Calgill. Um, in this case, it seems as though even though notices went out two and a half, three weeks ago, the
   36:15  the recipient received a damaged and beat up file as as late as yesterday afternoon and and contacted us
   36:23  immediately, made us aware that while they do want to address this council and get the issue resolved, they're not prepared to come before this this
   36:30  council tonight. Not available. So, I I feel it's appropriate to give them two weeks to get prepared. My expectation would be I'll reach out to them through my office and have a conversation in
   36:39  advance of that meeting so that we can come and have a more honest and robust discussion on the August 1st meeting.
   36:48  We need to have a vote on this, Marty, to to Can we just table it?
   36:53  Yeah. Okay. All right. Yeah, that's what I'm going to do then. I'm just going to table it to our uh two weeks at our next meeting.
   37:04  All right. Next up is the Marian Utilities uh update from the Marian Utilities.
   37:10  A brief update on financials, significant happenings, current projects, and noteworthy issues on the horizon. Speaking Robin Schrader, executive director for Marian Utilities.
   37:21  Welcome, Robin.
   37:22  Thanks. Good evening to everyone. I know it's been a few men a few months since I've come before you, but I did want to make good on my word to provide you with
   37:31  more frequent updates. So, thank you for allowing me to share with you tonight and rest easy. There's no request in
   37:38  this. Okay. So, um yeah, I do have quite a few numbers though, so if if you get caught up in that, I'm happy to email you this report afterward if you like.
   37:49  Uh first, financials. Uh the most recent financials we have are from May. Utility sales remain stable across all divisions
   37:57  with each utility meeting or exceeding prior year revenue levels. Water revenue increased as anticipated following the
   38:04  January 1, 2026 rate adjustment. That was uh phase three of the 2023
   38:12  rate increase. Just for clarification, operating expenses were higher than typical during the month, primarily due
   38:20  to the annual allocation of liability insurance premiums, and that was across all four utilities.
   38:27  Water utility operating expenses were above average due to approximately $23,000 in additional purchases of
   38:34  distribution parts and repair materials, increased expenditures for street repair supplies, and approximately $28,000 in higher contract service costs.
   38:45  Sewer utility operating expenses exceeded normal levels due to $115,981.35
   38:53  associated with rerouting the Lime Lagoon overflow and that is a project where we are looking to um get rid of
   39:01  one of our permits. So that was a big milestone there. It was also because of the purchase of Gorman Rup Bethlehem pumps totaling $88,742.
   39:13  The water utility cash position continues to require close monitoring.
   39:18  Uh the depreciation fund balance remains at zero. The utility continues to rely on the 1.8 million in inner fund loan
   39:26  from the sewer utility to maintain adequate operating cash. Without this loan, the water operating fund balance
   39:33  would be approximately $325,000 below the recommended two-month operating reserve.
   39:39  sewer construction project. Um, proceeds from the 10 and a half million dollar Indiana bond bank financing remain in
   39:46  the construction fund. The main the May ending balance was 10,79,78422.
   39:56  Projects expenditures continue to be paid through the long-term control plan fund and reimbured from the construction fund.
   40:04  And then regarding net operating results, water and sewer utilities reported a net operating loss for the month of May, while storm water and
   40:12  solid waste utilities reported a net operating gain for the month of May. And then June financials are in process and
   40:20  will be provided to our board for review at the first meeting in August.
   40:25  Now for significant happenings, this is slightly more exciting. Um, we're in the process of determining next steps for our old lime lagoons at 11th Street and
   40:34  Bush Lane. Uh, if you're not familiar with where that's at, it's behind the First Pentecostal Church on Pennsylvania Street, just south of State Road 18. The
   40:44  Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources have competing interest in how this should be handled,
   40:51  and so we're waiting to see what they can collectively determine before we move forward there.
   40:56  The water rate case you approved earlier this year is still in process. We've been regularly working with our attorneys and eagerly await next steps with the IURC.
   41:07  And there have been two retirements in the last four months and we anticipate at least two more in the near future.
   41:12  None of these represent entry level positions. That often leads to upward movement from within, but it can also
   41:20  require additional conversations and recruiting efforts.
   41:24  As for current projects, we're taking inventory of the new water meters we recently installed. We have a young man going around and checking those. That's
   41:32  a slow process, but incredibly necessary. This allows us to confirm each meter is correctly identified, matched to the right customer account
   41:42  and then functioning as designed. We're also continuing to install additional meters that the contractor couldn't get
   41:49  to. for example, those in a basement, those requiring a full meter pit replacement, or those which could not initially be located.
   41:58  Our big combined sewer overflow project at Clark Street near Home Avenue hasn't started off so well. Earlier this year,
   42:05  we learned of a soil contamination issue that requires special handling and disposal procedures that were not previously accounted for. The result was
   42:14  the issuance of a change order in the amount of 1,23,763 or approximately 10% of the total
   42:22  project cost. Our board approved this change order at the meeting on July 9 and we expect the contractor to begin the excavation process tomorrow.
   42:32  And finally, noteworthy issues on the horizon. Uh the good news is we're nearing the end of our long-term control
   42:40  plan mandated projects. The project at Home Avenue I just mentioned is the second to last. The bad news is that
   42:48  this last project will be the largest and most expensive to complete. Allow me a brief historical review. This will give you some background as to why we're
   42:56  doing this. In 1972, the EPA implemented the Clean Water Act which focused on regulating wastewater treatment
   43:03  facilities with the goal of making waters fishable and swimmable. This was followed by the combined sewer overflow
   43:10  control policy in 1994 and the wet weather water quality act in 2000. As a
   43:17  result, many sitter cities entered consent decrees, agreed orders, and judicial settlements to work toward this
   43:25  mandatory compliance. These agreements often required specific construction projects, schedules lasting 15 to 25
   43:34  years, annual reporting, and stipulated penalties.
   43:39  Marian Util's long-term control plan then is the result of our state judicial agreement from these things and serves
   43:47  as a binding roadmap for achieving and de demonstrating compliance. Our last mandated project requires significant reduction of combined sewer overflows at
   43:56  Spencer Avenue, which is adjacent to the splash pad and at Bond Avenue, which is just across the street from the
   44:03  wastewater facility. As with our other Cso projects, this typically means constructing something to capture and temporarily hold additional flow during
   44:12  wet weather events. Marian Utilities is working with Commonwealth Engineering to determine the best and most cost-effective way to meet the requirements of this federal mandate.
   44:22  And generically speaking, adding storage capacity at our treatment facility thus far seems to make the most sense. That said, there are a couple caveats to note.
   44:31  There's no location in the vicinity of Spencer Avenue to build a tank large enough to meet the parameters that have been assigned to us to capture that flow there.
   44:41  And secondly, the original portion of the South Treatment Plant facility is 88 years old. That's approximately 40 years
   44:48  past its useful life. And unfortunately, our options for ongoing repairs are becoming more and more limited. So, what does this mean and what will it cost?
   44:59  Commonwealth is currently evaluating project designs based on the following criteria. They're looking at adaptability. They're looking at technologies that have been se solidly
   45:08  proven and deemed acceptable by our local regulatory agencies like IDM.
   45:13  They're looking at things that are operator and maintenance friendly, energy efficient, will fit within the size constraints that we have, and will
   45:21  be capable of providing the treatment that we're required to do.
   45:25  From this Commonwealth is assembling a proposal that will include something like a total cost of ownership analysis
   45:32  for the options that they feel will most effectively meet our mandated long-term control plan requirements.
   45:39  An early and hopefully inflated cost estimate emphasize hopefully inflated cost estimate is between 100 million and $200 million.
   45:49  As we move forward, we are also considering all opportunities for project phasing and funding. My hope is
   45:57  to have more information to share with you hopefully toward the end of August or the beginning of September so that we can collaborate to make the best
   46:04  decision possible for the people of Marian.
   46:09  And with that, that's all I have to report, but I'm happy to answer any questions if anyone has that.
   46:14  Yeah, that's a lot there. Um the you you touched on the IURC. They still haven't made their determination
   46:21  on the the rate thing that No, no, it would be ahead of schedule for us to have heard from them at this point. Okay. Yeah.
   46:29  What what it take so long just out of curiosity. For the life of me, I don't know. Okay.
   46:34  There's there's a lot of there's a lot of back and forth with um attorneys and it's actually when they say rate case,
   46:42  it is a case. So it's the IURC versus the OUCC. So one group is looking out for the utility, the other group is looking out for the consumers to making
   46:50  to try and make sure that everything is being handled fairly. So just like any other court situation, it's just a timeconsuming process.
   46:59  Okay. Any you guys have any questions?
   47:07  Thank you. I appreciate you doing what you said and giving us an update on everything. Yep. We'll be back again soon. Thank you. Thank you.
   47:14  Thank you.
   47:21  Okay. The last thing will be the utility board appointment.
   47:27  We uh we have three candidates that put in for it under the deadline. Um each candidate um you guys have got their
   47:35  resumes, looked over their resumes. Um each each candidate will have three minutes to get up here and sell yourself, talk
   47:44  about yourself, however you want to put it. And um then at that point, uh we'll we'll vote individually. We'll go around
   47:53  and just we'll you'll just say the name that that you want to appoint to the board. And if we um because we got what
   48:00  six of us here tonight, so some we got to have four. Um if there's a tie, we'll just do it again and
   48:08  you know, we'll just be here till tomorrow. keep doing it again till somebody. But um so anyway, we'll go with that. Uh Troy Phillips, if you'd
   48:17  like to come up to the mic and you'll have three minutes and go from there.
   48:31  Make sure your mic's on, too, Troy.
   48:42  Good evening, President and members of the common council. Thank you for allowing me to speak tonight.
   48:48  My name is Troy Phillips, and I appreciate your consideration for appointment to the Maryland Utility Service Board.
   48:57  Service has always been important to me.
   49:00  I served 23 years in the United States Air Force, 10 years active duty, and 13 years in the reserves.
   49:08  Many years of volunteering at the Marian Power Club, Larry Maran High School, and I currently help coach at Tiger Marshall Hearts Fitness Academy.
   49:21  I understand the responsibility that comes with providing reliable utility services and being accountable. as I worked at Marian Utilities for 20 years.
   49:32  I worked in sewer maintenance, water maintenance, and was a solid waste supervisor before retiring June 30th of this year.
   49:43  That background helps me better understand the issues that come before the board.
   49:50  I understand many of the operational and financial challenges that our utility faces.
   49:58  I understand the board's role is governing and accountability and not day-to-day management.
   50:05  I believe my military service, my experience with Maran Utilities, and my commitment to serve our community
   50:12  have prepared me well for this responsibility.
   50:16  I bring honesty, integrity, accountability, and sound judgment.
   50:22  I will work with fellow board members to promote financial responsibility.
   50:28  and do what is best for the Maran utilities and the people that we serve.
   50:33  If appointed, I will work hard to earn your trust and the trust of the people of Marian by serving with integrity, fairness, and respect.
   50:46  Thank you for your time and your cooperation.
   50:51  Does anybody Thank you. I appreciate that, Troy. Does anybody have any questions?
   51:01  And you served for 20 years on the utility. Yes. Yes, sir.
   51:05  Okay. Then in Thank you for your service, by the way, in the military.
   51:09  [clears throat]
   51:25  There's no other questions. Thank you. Oh, wait. Hang on. Hang on. Yes, sir. I have a question for you.
   51:32  One of the questions here talks about, you know, being a a voter and things like that. You didn't vote in the last
   51:38  election. Why why do you think being you want to be appointed to this position but haven't done your civic duties in
   51:47  that? What what's your reasoning behind that?
   51:50  There's really not a reasoning. Um I neglected some my fault my my fault. I neglected to do my
   51:58  uh proactive breeding on the candidates and I just
   52:05  didn't feel right voting for just not knowing on the candidates who the candidates were.
   52:11  So it's it's all on me. Um and believe me I will that will not happen again.
   52:17  Yeah. And that again I as a veteran myself, you know, we've we fight very
   52:24  hard for this and if you served 23 years, you understand that I do sir.
   52:29  But not not doing your civilian duty in that. That's a little bit concerning because you can't you fought for that. Yes, sir.
   52:36  You want to be appointed to this position, but you didn't do your civilian duty that you fought for.
   52:42  Yes, sir. I understand that. And that totally on me and [clears throat] like I said, it will not happen again.
   52:56  Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. Um, our next candidate is uh, well, Cindy Cuttingham is what I've always known her
   53:04  as, but I guess that's not necessarily true now. So, uh, is it Leman? Is that how it's pronounced? Lem.
   53:11  Oh, it's Leming. Okay.
   53:17  Welcome. Okay. [laughter] Sorry.
   53:28  Got it.
   53:30  My name is Cindy Lming and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak tonight. I'm asking for your consideration to serve on the Maring
   53:38  Utilities Service Board because I believe I can bring experience, knowledge, and a genuine commitment to
   53:45  serving our community. I retired from Marian Utilities in 2019 after 30 years of service. During my career, I worked
   53:53  in customer service and later as the administrative support specialist for utility engineer Pat Pinkerton, serving
   54:02  the engineering, sewer maintenance, and solid waste departments. Those years gave me a unique understanding of how
   54:09  the utility operates, not just from an office perspective, but how decisions affect employees and more importantly
   54:17  the citizens they serve. I've also demonstrated my commitment to Marian through community service. I've served
   54:25  on the board of public works and safety, the planning commission, the city of Marian teen council as an adult
   54:33  leadership mentor, the minority coalition for the smoking sensation. I'm currently serving on the planning
   54:41  committee for the third and fourth street and I volunteer delivering meals on wheels. I want to give back to the
   54:49  utility that gave me a rewarding career and to the comm commit community I've called home my entire life. I understand
   54:57  the importance of being a good steward of public resources. I know the value of providing reliable utility services
   55:06  while being responsible with rateayer dollars. I believe my institutional knowledge combined with my willingness
   55:14  to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and work jointly would make me an effective member of the service board because I
   55:23  already understand Marian Utilities from the inside. I know its history, its mission, and how important it is to
   55:31  provide quality service while protecting the interests of our customers. I also bring years of public board experience
   55:38  and a proven record of serving Marian. I won't come in with an agenda. I will come in prepared to listen, learn, ask
   55:47  good questions, and make decisions that are best interest of the utility and the people it serves. As a retiree, I have
   55:56  the time, the availability, and the commitment to fully dedicate myself to the responsibilities of this position. I
   56:04  respectfully ask for your support and your vote. It would truly be an honor to continue serving the citizens of Marian in this new capacity.
   56:14  I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Cindy. Do we have any questions, guys?
   56:38  Nope. Okay. Thank you, Sandy. Thank you. And our last candidate is Justin Fall.
   56:54  Ready. Uh, thank you, Mr. President and Council. Um, I took the liberty of bringing my own uh teleprompter today.
   57:01  uh so that I didn't get off task like you see on TV. Um my name is Justin Fall. I live in the 3,800 block of
   57:08  Starky Drive uh and receive all Marian utility services. Uh I want to begin by saying that you cannot go anywhere in
   57:15  the state of Indiana without someone saying that Marian has the best water in the state once someone finds out that you're from here. Uh that is certainly a
   57:23  credit to the board, the employees past and present. Uh, I'm a graduate of Huntington University where I received a bachelor's degree and obtained a master's degree from Capella University.
   57:34  I'm a retired police officer of 21 years serving the citizens of Marian uh on that police department. I'm now the police uh investigator for the Grant
   57:43  County Prosecutor's Office uh still serving the community that I love and live in. Uh besides my master's degree, which ironically enough is in public
   57:52  service leadership, I have been to the two most prominent police leadership schools in the country. Um I'm a graduate of uh the police executive
   58:01  leadership academy, which uh by the way uh Deputy Chief Husky uh was one of the founding members of that uh school. Um
   58:10  so thank you for sending me to that. Um and uh I'm a graduate of the uh FBI
   58:18  National Academy uh which is uh one of the premier leadership uhmies in the
   58:25  whole country um from the department of justice. Um besides my master's degree
   58:30  uh I believe that I uh possess a uh and have a fresh pair of eyes on the board
   58:39  and I can bring leadership uh skill set to it.
   58:42  um the company uh and try to move it in a positive direction. Keep it moving in a positive direction. Um again, I think
   58:50  the employees and the um board that you currently have has done a great job or we wouldn't be talked about the way that
   58:57  we're talked about. Uh I believe that transparency and having a balanced budget is critical in any company uh just as in your own household. Um, if
   59:06  given the opportunity to serve as your appointment, I vow to study the budget, understand it completely, be good steward of rateayers money to maintain
   59:14  the highest standards of quality of our water that we have, and to continue to make employees a priority. I appreciate
   59:22  your time today and your consideration for this appointment.
   59:28  Do we have any questions for Justin?
   59:32  [clears throat]
   59:43  none. Jeff, anybody? Justin, thanks for for speaking today.
   59:51  Quick question. You've you've served on obviously other boards and things like that. You you do a lot in the community.
   59:57  You're always involved. You know, where where does this priority stand for you?
 1:00:02  if if appointed to this position because it you know we are in a critical spot with the board right now. Obviously we we had a rate increase earlier like
 1:00:11  where is this going to be in in that for you and and you know what do you see um your prior board experience giving
 1:00:19  you an advantage over the other candidates for so um I currently serve on the 911 board
 1:00:25  as your uh appointment. Um I have uh not missed a meeting um since that
 1:00:32  appointment. Uh that's in the afternoons at like uh 1:00 in the afternoon um on a quarterly basis. Um that's the only
 1:00:41  board that I currently serve on. I am uh uh elected delegate for the GOP. Um that
 1:00:51  since has passed. That's that's pretty much my responsibility is over with on that with uh Mr. Kane. Um, uh, besides
 1:00:59  that, I I'll make myself available. This is high on my priority or I wouldn't submit for the for the job. Um, so I
 1:01:06  will make my schedule uh available once I find out uh meeting dates and how that stuff works. Um, as far as prior
 1:01:13  experience, I've been on the uh youth sports uh Oakill uh youth baseball league, part of building that new
 1:01:20  facility out there, uh obtaining new equipment, uh that type of stuff. Um, I I just I believe that I that that I'd be
 1:01:28  a fresh pair of eyes on on and and bring some leadership to that to that board, continue with their leadership that they already have.
 1:01:38  Perfect. Thank you. Thank you, Justin. Appreciate it.
 1:01:52  Okay. Um, do we are you guys ready to vote? Any no discussion? Okay. Um, you
 1:02:01  want to just do roll call and at roll call state who you want on the board.
 1:02:08  Kane fall Reyes fall runner Justin fall
 1:02:16  Marshall Limmy Cindy Lim Cynthia
 1:02:24  Whitten Justin fall Calgill Justin Paul
 1:02:35  Justin welcome to the Mr. President, I I would like to thank the other two people.
 1:02:43  Gary do too. Y for coming here and and uh bring their name forward and I certainly appreciate that.
 1:02:52  I feel the same way. That's what I was just getting ready to say to you, Council Brunner. Well said.
 1:02:58  Okay. Uh I don't have any announcements for tonight. Does any any of the uh other councilman have any announcements?
 1:03:06  Our city cleanups have been doing very well.
 1:03:10  So those are will be wrapping up here soon.
 1:03:14  Um if not, I will take a motion to adjurnn. I so move. Second.
 1:03:20  Okay, we have a motion by Councilman Kaine, second by Councilman Brunner. Roll call. Kane. I. Reyes. I. Brunner.
 1:03:28  I. Marshall. I. Whitten. Yes.
 1:03:32  Calgill. I we are ajourned.