Town of Otterbein

The meeting included the election of the Council President and Vice-President for 2026, and approval for the use of specific newspapers for legal notices in 2026. The Council conducted a hearing on utility disconnects for non-payment and approved the list for shutoff. Key discussions involved retaining Jud Barce as the Town's Attorney for 2026 and agreeing to deem items as surplus to advertise and sell them on Gov Deals. Engineering matters included the approval of the Duke Energy contract for trail lighting and acceptance of a Task Order for Landscape Coordination and Administration Services for the Briar Memorial Park trailhead. Furthermore, the Council adopted Resolution 2026-0115, authorizing the temporary transfer of unused funds from the WWT Depreciation Fund and the Stormwater Depreciation Fund to the WW Construction Fund to cover engineering fees for a WWT Project, with repayment scheduled from bond proceeds.

The meeting included a hearing on utility disconnects for non-payment, where the Council approved the listed disconnections. A resident raised concerns about a business zoned as industrial operating in a residential area, prompting the Building Commissioner to address the property owner. Key financial actions included the approval of claims totaling $300,030.18 and the decision to proceed with Crossroads Bank for the lease of a new backhoe, including an authorized down payment. The Council also approved entering into an Alliance Apprenticeship Employer Acceptance Agreement for an employee, the purchase of signposts from Traffic Safety Store, and the adoption of Resolution 2025-1204a to transfer funds from the Stormwater Operating Fund to the Stormwater Depreciation Fund.

The council addressed utility disconnects for non-payment and approved claims. Discussions and actions included designating economic development target areas, amending regulations for food vendors, and approving a change order and pay estimates for the Milestone Contract. A proposal to add to the Milestone Dirk Studebaker Trail project was approved. The council also entered into a contract for bond counsel for the WWT Project, adopted salary and utility budgets, deemed certain surplus property worthless, and approved budget line transfers. Additionally, they approved a quote for the retainage wall area at the town park. A quote for the shade sail structure for the Briar Memorial Park was approved, and contracts were entered into for a Wastewater Rate Study and assistance with the Issuance of Wastewater Revenue Bonds of 2025. The council also discussed putting an employee into the Water Operator Apprenticeship Program.

The Otterbein Town Council convened for multiple meetings, addressing a range of topics including utility disconnections, and a resident's inquiry about purchasing a property for residential use in a business-zoned area. The council adopted the 2026 Tax Rates & Appropriations, and an Appropriation Reduction Resolution for 2025. They reviewed and approved the town insurance recommendations, amended purchasing policies, and approved contracts for grant administration and design of the WWT Project. Discussions also covered the Dirk Studebaker Trail, including pay applications, rules, signage, maintenance, and scheduling a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Additionally, the council discussed a contract for a cell tower on town property, revisions to the employee handbook and job descriptions, and updates from the Building Commissioner on permit structure.

The council meeting addressed utility disconnections for non-payment and discussed safety issues for walkers near Otterbein Elementary. Approval was granted for Phase II of the Town Park project. The council also discussed and approved resolutions related to Economic Development Target Areas. Other topics included updates on the Dirk Studebaker Trail construction, safety training, property cleanup, and ADA plan updates. A quote for a truck bed was approved, and the upcoming Budget Public Hearing and Budget Meeting were highlighted. The council also discussed the financing of a new backhoe, amendments to the 2025 Salary Ordinance, and proposed utility budgets. They reviewed fence quotes for the pickleball and basketball courts and set a date for a WWT tour.