City of Berne

Key discussions included receiving superintendent reports and addressing related action items. The board considered and approved a quote from Rol and Cole Handyman for cleaning and removing storm water backup damage at 717 Water Street. Furthermore, discussions focused on the bidding schedule for Van Beern Street improvements, noting potential funding from CCMG monies following new legislation. The superintendent indicated that bids would open on March 31st, with subsequent contact with INDOT pending the lowest responsible bid determination. The board also discussed rescheduling the next meeting due to upcoming absences, eventually agreeing upon a date in mid-April.

The meeting commenced with the reorganization of the board, where the previous slate of officers was re-elected. Key discussion points included the approval of the 2025 annual financials, which detailed distributions collected and the status of the tax revenue bond and Smith Brothers bond. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the RFB streetscaping project, resulting in the approval of funding for master plan services to be conducted by JPR (Jones P3 Refinsky). The commission discussed the potential coordination of streetscaping with anticipated INDOT resurfacing of Main Street, which may involve removing old brickwork, though the final timeline depends on external funding approvals.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks and a pledge of allegiance, followed by a declaration of a quorum. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes from the February 23rd meeting and the approval of claims and payroll. A significant announcement concerned the resignation of the Fire Chief, effective March 31st after 40 years of service, and the subsequent appointment of Brad Yoder as the new Fire Chief. The council reviewed the renewal of tax abatements for ONR Precision (business personal property) and Hyatt Tax Properties (real estate), noting that ONR completed its abatement obligations and Hyatt experienced turnover but maintained a steady headcount. Furthermore, the council formally introduced Ordinance Number 793, a bond ordinance related to lead service line replacement and water main improvements, detailing that a portion of the funding ($687,000) would receive 0% interest through the SRF program, and that the water main component would benefit from a lower interest rate due to a favorable scoring move into the traditional loan range. Finally, the introduction of a rate increase ordinance was presented, based on a rate study projecting expenses through 2028, including inflationary adjustments and capital plan considerations.

The meeting commenced with the acceptance of a resignation from a long-standing board member and the immediate appointment of a replacement to maintain quorum. The primary discussion involved reorganizing the board positions for the current year, resulting in new nominations for President, Vice President, and Secretary. A significant portion of the agenda focused on the Vernon Street storm sewer extension project. Following the determination that necessary CCMG grant funding was not secured, the board discussed moving forward with the design completion, contingent upon board approval to enter into a contract with Commonwealth Engineering. The board also reviewed the status of a vehicle replacement, confirming a new car had arrived while the old one remained on site. Finally, the board scheduled the date for the subsequent meeting.

The key discussions during this meeting included the approval of the minutes from the February 9th meeting and the approval of claims and payroll. The attorney provided a preview of upcoming agenda items for the first meeting in March, which involve introducing an ordinance for a bond issue and another ordinance regarding a water rate increase related to the lead service and water main replacement program. The treasurer noted the successful submission of the Annual Financial Report (AFR). Additionally, the mayor and council members offered commendations and acknowledgments, including recognizing city employees for addressing multiple water leaks under challenging weather conditions, and offering thoughts and prayers for the Mark Bowman family and another individual's grandparent.