Rhonda Barrett

The council addressed several administrative and operational items, including the approval of claim dockets and a contract for the Town Attorney. A discussion regarding Police Merit Board bylaws was tabled for further review. The council approved an interlocal agreement with the Shelbyville Fire Department and reviewed annual conflict of interest and contracting statements. A new utility locator position was created, along with a corresponding salary ordinance amendment. Additionally, the council approved a water treatment plant invoice, discussed traffic safety and stop sign placement at a local intersection, and authorized the purchase of a dump truck for the cemetery. Departmental updates were provided, including ongoing infrastructure projects and website development plans.

The Commission reviewed a request for funding regarding a grant match for the Ready 2.0 downtown plaza project, ultimately authorizing a commitment letter of up to $87,500. Additionally, the commission discussed potential improvements for town entry corridors, reviewed the status of the Pixy Theatre appraisal, and considered future opportunities for providing roofing grants to support local downtown businesses.

The regular session of the Town Council involved several key actions. The council approved a claim docket of $593,144.62. They also approved Ordinance 2026-3 on its second reading, which amends a previous ordinance regarding the annexation of real estate at 7995 S US 31. The council authorized the execution of an Interlocal Agreement and a Bill of Sale for the sale of personal property to the City of Cambridge for $500. A motion was passed to authorize the drafting of documentation to create a Firefighter Merit Board to handle potential hiring or disciplinary issues within the fire department. The council approved a motion to correct a stenographer error in the January 12, 2026, Council Meeting minutes, confirming the approval of the December 29, 2025, minutes instead. The Baker Tilly CIP/FSP scope of work was approved. Discussions concerning the Downtown Plaza Project included allocating NRO Plaza Funds and managing backfill material without a finalized site plan. The council approved a quote of $34,300 from Peerless Midwest for cleaning Well Five, and authorized a 30% down payment for equipment for the industrial substation purchase. The three-year renewal contract with Daupler for on-call services, including a 5% discount, was approved. The council gave approval to post internally for a new Utility Locator Position to increase efficiency across electric, water, and wastewater line locating. The council authorized the Town Attorney to review a proposed tiered insurance structure for vendors, including a band performance agreement. Lastly, in response to a state mandate potentially causing a deficit, the council motioned for the Town Attorney and Water Superintendent to draft an ordinance concerning metered fire suppression systems to account for lost water.

This document outlines the Town of Edinburgh's comprehensive approach to guiding future growth and development, integrating a Strategic Plan with Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. The Strategic Plan, completed in 1991, focuses on Land Use Strategies, Infrastructure Development, and Implementation Strategies. Key priorities include modernizing land use controls, developing a capital improvement plan, and a finance strategy to support future growth. The revised zoning and subdivision codes, developed in alignment with the Strategic Plan, aim to address community needs and ensure ordered development into the future.

Key discussions during the meeting included the annual election of Council President and Vice-President. The Council passed the second reading of an ordinance amending the fee schedule to include charges for Park and Rec programs, classes, and events. They also waived the first reading and approved an ordinance establishing salaries, adding positions for a building inspector and an electric administrative manager. The Council amended the chapter regarding weeds and trees to remove obsolete provisions related to an unissued grant, while retaining vegetation control restrictions. A resolution was approved to transfer $360,875 from the NRO Fire-EMS Account to the General Fund to offset fire department costs, including the town's share for a new ambulance. Approval was granted for the AIC TRECS Memorandum of Understanding to collect outstanding utility bill debts via state tax refunds. The annual contract with the Blue River Township was approved, as well as $450 in basketball donations. New appointments included Kevin Killinger as Electric Manager and the promotion of Dalton Hudson to Electric Assistant Superintendent. Other matters involved updating conflict of interest forms, a discussion concerning insurance requirements and labor standards for hydrant valve and mixer replacements, and updates on well testing, potential well cleaning costs, and the replacement of water meters. Finally, the Council addressed public comments regarding the placement of a stop sign on Industrial Drive.