Jeff Zehner

The meeting included updates on the Parks and Recreation department, introducing a new assistant director responsible for program coordination and parent/coach liaison. Discussions covered the Beer and Wine Fest, which had a smaller-than-expected attendance attributed to it being Halloween weekend and street construction, with plans to schedule it earlier next year. The council approved increasing the annual donation to the Police Department's 'Shop with a Cop' event from $1,000 to $2,000, citing increased costs for beneficiaries. Public Works provided an update on clearing heavy snow and tree limbs, noting the superior condition of town streets compared to state highways. Furthermore, the Public Works Director discussed ongoing staffing shortages, particularly the loss of a lineman and two water department employees, and the efforts to recruit experienced personnel. There was also a brief discussion regarding utility notification procedures for power outages, confirming that council members receive automated notifications, but dispatch requires direct calls for specific outage locations or issues outside of standard business hours.

The meeting included a public hearing for additional appropriation of riverboat funds to cover the cost of tree removal. The council discussed a contract with TGB Unlimited, addressing concerns about delays and potential liquidated damages, and agreed to discuss the matter further in an executive session. There was also a presentation on Dustin's Place, an organization dealing with loss and grief counseling, with a discussion on potential funding and the types of services provided. Additionally, the council discussed utility appropriations, focusing on reallocating funds to balance the water and wastewater utilities, and agreed to revisit the topic with more detailed information at the next meeting.

The council discussed and approved the hiring of two candidates for utilities positions, reviewed and approved a payment for a project, and addressed additional funding requests for street projects due to utility-related redesigns. They also discussed code enforcement recommendations, community building activities, and various financial matters, including cash balances and budget adjustments.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including discussions on SB1 and its potential impact on property taxes and local finances, as well as strategies for managing its effects. The council also considered applications for code enforcement positions, reviewed an amended salary ordinance related to compensation for fire department volunteers and EMS personnel, and discussed increasing their base salary for 2026 to align with regional standards. Additionally, the council addressed old business related to ordinance number 2025-4 and reviewed Resolution 2025-1, concerning the adoption of the St. Joe County Board of Commissioners Multihazard Mitigation Plan.

The meeting included a moment of silence for Jim Christie and the Pledge of Allegiance. A bid opening was held for the Washington Street project, with a special meeting scheduled on June 16th to award the bid. The council discussed and approved the payment of claims, including those to Viking Industrial Cleaning and MD Technicians, Inc. A representative from the seventh Indiana artillery Civil War reenactors requested permission to call their event the Walker Civil War days, which was approved. Randy F, a County Council member, discussed the county's driveway snow removal ordinance and the upcoming vote on a park bond. Abby Doyle, the deputy auditor, provided information on the county's plus 55 county option.