Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
Council sets new fees for Ellettsville Heritage Center rentals.
The Council approved amended Ordinance 2025-13, setting new fees for renting the Ellettsville Heritage Center.
This summary was built from the meeting video and the official documents.
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Key Highlights
- 01Council sets new fees for Ellettsville Heritage Center rentals.
- 02Residents express concerns about ongoing flooding issues.
- 03Council adopts new construction standards for roadways.
- 04Council recertifies current legislative body districts.
- 05Town approves Richland Township lease termination agreement.
- 06Council reappoints two Ellettsville Building Corporation board members.
Written for residents
Summary
The Council approved amended Ordinance 2025-13, setting new fees for renting the Ellettsville Heritage Center.
Residents or property owners within town limits will pay $125 per day or part of a day, while those outside town limits will pay $250. Renters can pay a $500 damage deposit or provide a certificate of insurance for event coverage. The Park Board will consider fee waivers based on need. The Council voted 5-0 to approve the amended ordinance.
Two residents spoke during public comment about ongoing flooding issues. Carl Thurman, a downtown business owner, asked about the second and third phases of flood remediation, noting recent flooding despite the first phase's completion. Town Manager Michael Farmer explained that Phase 2 involves installing two large culverts at the McNeely Street Bridge, but the County owns the property, requiring their approval. Another resident, Chad Stephens, reported 21 inches of water in his business after a recent rain and urged action on the culverts at McNeely Street. Mr. Farmer acknowledged the severe rain year and the need for further mitigation, stating he would contact the County Highway Department.
The Council adopted Ordinance 2025-15, establishing the Town of Ellettsville Construction Standards & Specifications Manual for Roadways. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained these standards will be posted on the Town's website and are referenced in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), the town's zoning and building rules. The ordinance also corrected a reference to the stormwater management chapter. The Council voted 5-0 to approve.
The Council approved Ordinance 2025-14, recertifying the current legislative body districts. Ms. Brown stated that towns must recertify or redraw districts by the end of the month, and recertification is allowed if the population did not change significantly since the last census. Planner Denise Line confirmed she would verify the current wards are aligned with census blocks. The Council voted 5-0 to approve.
The Council approved a lease termination agreement with Richland Township. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained the Town will vacate the Park Street property by July 1st. The Council voted 5-0 to approve.
The Council reappointed Jack Neal and Brandon Wright to the Ellettsville Building Corporation board. Town Attorney Darla Brown noted that Carly Woodruff, also up for reappointment, might have moved out of the county, and she would verify her eligibility. The Council voted 5-0 to approve the reappointments.
Town Manager Michael Farmer announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Department of Public Works (DPW) Building on June 23rd, with the utility office closed for two days during the move. Wastewater Supervisor Jeff Farmer discussed the need to address inflow and infiltration (I&I) issues in the sewer system, explaining that inflow is direct holes and infiltration is cracks and breaks that allow excess water into the system. Fire Chief Kevin Patton announced the annual fireworks display on July 5th, funded by donations. Planner Denise Line reported updating the Census Bureau on boundary changes, adding 21 streets and eight parcels. Council member William Ellis suggested planning for the country's 250th anniversary next year, including ideas like flags and painting fire hydrants.
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll
Motion to approve payment of accounts payable vouchers and payroll.
Amended Ordinance 2025-13 to Set Fees for the Rental of the Ellettsville Heritage Center
Ordinance setting rental fees for the Ellettsville Heritage Center at $125 per day for individuals residing or owning property within the corporate limits of the Town and $250 per day for those residing outside. Renters have the option of paying a $500 damage deposit or offering a certificate of insurance for event coverage, with fee waivers based on need considered by the Park Board.
Richland Township Lease Termination Agreement
Motion to approve the lease termination agreement with Richland Township Trustee for the property on Park Street, with the Town vacating the premises on or before July 1st.
Also discussed
Budget Discussions (No Vote Taken)
Engineering study for McNeely Street Bridge culverts (Phase 2 flood mitigation)
Estimated: $35,000?
Town Manager Michael Farmer stated that an engineering study to determine the cost and scope of installing two large storm culverts at the McNeely Street Bridge was previously quoted at approximately $35,000. This study is needed to prepare for bidding out the project, which requires county approval as the bridge is county-owned.