HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-01-Special MeetingMINUTES OF COUNCIL
MAY 1, 2024
The Batesville City Council met in Special Session on May 1st, at 12:15 p.m. at the
Municipal Building. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh presided over the meeting. Upon roll call, the
following Councilmembers answered present; Brittany Bennett, Scott Fredricks, Julie Hinkle,
Paige Hubbard, Fred Krug, Doug Matthews, and Chris Poole. Councilmember Landon
Reeves was absent. Also present were the City Clerk Denise Johnston and City Attorney Tim
Meitzen.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Matthews moved to approve the prepared agenda. Councilmember
Hubbard seconded and all voted for.
NEW BUSINESS
A) EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilmember Fredricks moved to go into executive session to discuss the
appointment of a new Police Chief. Councilmember Bennett seconded and all voted
for.
Upon returning from executive session, Councilmember Poole who is a member of the
City’s Public Safety Committee, addressed the council and crowd of citizens regarding
the council’s decision. Mr. Poole said there were three applicants for the Police Chief
position. Mayor Elumbaugh interviewed one and the committee interview the other
two. All applicants were qualified for the position. Mr. Poole said after review all three
applications and interviews, the committee decided to appoint Mr. John Scarbrough as
Batesville Police Chief. Mayor Elumbaugh thanked all the applicants and welcomed
Chief Scarbrough to his new position. Chief Scarbrough thanked the council and all of
his officers for the dedication to the department and the City of Batesville.
MAYOR COMMENTS
Mayor Elumbaugh brought the council up to date regarding the purchase of the VFW
property located next to Riverside Park. The Mayor said the City started last August in trying
to acquire the VFW property. A survey was done and he felt it was too low at $350,000.00. A
second survey was done and it came in at $610,000.00. The Mayor said he wanted to be fair
with the VFW group but also be responsible to the citizens of Batesville of their funds. VFW
is wanting $1,000,000.00 for the property as well as city pay for them to rent a facility until a
new one can be purchased or constructed. The Mayor said they offered them $800,000.00.
The attorney for the VFW turned down the offer and negotiations have stalled with the group.
City Attorney Tim Meitzen said the next step would be to begin condemnation proceedings
against the property. Mr. Meitzen said a judge would consider the condemnation and give the
tenants a time table to vacate the property, probably 30 to 60 days. Councilmember Poole
moved for the City Attorney to begin the condemnation process. Councilmember Matthews
seconded and all voted in favor. Councilmember Poole reminded the council that the citizens
of Batesville voted in favor of the improvements to Riverside Park and we have an obligation
to make sure it happens.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Councilmember Hinkle moved that the meeting be
adjourned and Councilmember Hubbard seconded. All voted in favor. The meeting was
adjourned at 12:42 p.m.
RICK ELUMBAUGH, MAYOR
DENISE M. JOHNSTON, CITY CLERK