HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-10 MINUTES OF COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 10, 2019
The Batesville City Council met in regular session on September 10th at 5:30 pm at the
Municipal Building. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh presided over the meeting. Utility Office
Manager Nick Baxter gave the invocation. Upon roll call, the following Councilmembers
answered present; Tommy Bryant, Scott Fredricks, Julie Hinkle, Paige Hubbard, Fred Krug,
Doug Matthews, Pete Musgrave and Chris Poole. Also present were the City Clerk Denise
Johnston and City Attorney Tim Meitzen.
Councilmember Hinkle moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
Councilmember Bryant seconded and all voted for.
Councilmember Hinkle moved to approve the prepared agenda. Councilmember
Bryant seconded and all voted for.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
A) POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Chief Cockrill was unable to attend tonights meeting.
B) ENGINEEER'S REPORT
City Engineer Damon Johnson was unable to attend tonight's meeting.
C) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR OPEN BURNING
Fire Chief Brent Gleghorn addressed the council regarding a proposed ordinance to
set regulations regarding open burning inside the city limits of Batesville. Chief
Gleghorn said the city has no set rules for burning and his department receives
several calls a week regarding residential burning. The Chief said the city picks up
household garbage as well as class 4 items, therefore, there is no reason for citizens
to burn such items. The proposed ordinance allow for some burning of residential yard
waste with certain stipulations. Permits may be issued for specific burns as well.
Councilmember Bryant said he, himself, had a bad experience while burning yard
waste when he thought he had completely extinguished the fire with water and was
later awoken with Fire Trucks in his yard. The fire had spread down his fence line and
onto a neighbors yard. He said he also receives several calls with complaints of
people who burn on a daily basis. Councilmember Bryant introduced the ordinance
and Mr. Meitzen read the ordinance in full. After a discussion, the Mayor said the
ordinance will be placed on the next meeting's agenda.
D) PAID BILLS REPORT
The council was given a copy of the August, 2019 paid bills report.
MAYOR COMMENTS
Mayor Elumbaugh asked the council to consider changing the next scheduled council
meeting from September 24t" to the 23rd. Councilmember Fredricks so moved and
Councilmember Bryant seconded. All voted for.
The Mayor informed the council that he, City Attorney Tim Meitzen and County
Attorney Daniel Haney met regarding the ongoing issues between the City and the County
and the funding of the jail and district court. The Mayor said they met for over an hour and
discussed how things have progressed since 2011. The Mayor said it is his obligation is to
look out for the tax payers of Batesville and only wants what is fair for Batesville,
Independence County and all incorporated towns in the county. The City agreed and pay the
county 30% of the collected fine monies to help defer the cost of operating the jail and did so
until the city stopped receiving any fine money. District Judge Chaney Taylor stopped
sending any fine money to the city when the city stopped paying for District Court Expenses.
Therefore, the county collects 100% of the fine money. The city has requested a meeting
with the county to try and resolve the problem, however, the Judge has refused to meet with
us. The Mayor said he hoped that Mr. Haney is able to convince the Judge to set down and
discuss the issues like adults.
LIAISON REPORTS
None
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Hinkle has several intersections that are obstructed with shrubs or
trees that need to be trimmed. She also said she has had calls regarding the possible paving
of Water Street.
Councilmember Poole said a Public Safety Meeting needed to be set. The members
agreed on September 26th at 5:00 pm.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Councilmember Matthews moved that that the
meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Fredricks seconded and all voted for.
RICK ELUMBAUGH, MAYOR
DENISE M. JOHNSTON, CITY CLERK