The Ellettsville Town Council approved rezoning 343 acres from agricultural to industrial for a technology park near Flatwoods Road.

The rezoning affects five parcels at West Flatwoods Road and North Starnes Road. Planner Denise Line explained the petitioner, Digital Resources Acquisitions, LLC, plans 5-6 buildings with 10-20 employees per building. A resident expressed concern about moving quickly and asked for the matter to return to the Plan Commission for further review. Another resident spoke against the annexation, citing environmentally sensitive areas. Town Attorney Darla Brown clarified that the annexations were complete, allowing the council to proceed. Christa Curtis, President of the Ellettsville Chamber of Commerce, and Clark Greiner of Bloomington Economic Development Corporation spoke in support of the rezoning. The council voted unanimously to approve the rezone.

Council approved an ordinance to increase sewer rates in two phases. Doug Baldessari of Baker Tilly explained the increase averages approximately 3% per year through 2026. Phase I charges will increase from $39.25 to $49.00 upon adoption of the ordinance. Phase II charges will go into effect on January 1, 2026, increasing to $50.75. The increase will cover rising operating costs, payroll, benefits, maintenance, chemicals, power, and debt service. The last sewer rate increase was in 2009. The council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance.

Council also approved a bond ordinance for the Town’s Municipal Sewage Works. Town Manager Michael Farmer stated this ordinance was needed to address monetary concerns for the sewage works. The council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance.

Council approved hiring Renee Jones as the Planning Tech/Utilities Billing Clerk at $25.81 per hour. Michael Farmer explained the position will share duties between the Planning and Utilities departments. The money for the position has been budgeted. The council voted unanimously to approve the hire.

Council terminated $195,920 in bonds and letters of credit for Centennial Park, LLC. Planner Denise Line stated the Centennial Park subdivision is built out, and all work has been completed to satisfaction. The council voted unanimously to approve the termination.

Council approved a revised contract with Spring Point for a Department of Public Works (DPW) project. Michael Farmer explained the revision was needed because the project now requires 3-phase power instead of 1-phase. Duke Energy will install a 3-phase power transformer. The cost for this change is $30,000.00, with Spring Point agreeing to pay half. The council voted unanimously to approve the revised contract.

Council introduced an ordinance to amend the Salary Ordinance 2023-18. Clerk Treasurer Noelle Conyer explained this amendment adds the Planning Tech/Utilities Billing Clerk position to the salary ordinance. The council voted unanimously to approve the first reading and adopt the ordinance on the same day.

Council also introduced an ordinance to clarify the receipt and claims policy. Noelle Conyer explained this ordinance clarifies stipulations for credit card use and missing receipts, aligning with State Board of Accounts processes. Another ordinance was introduced to fix the salary ranges for 2025, providing flexibility for supervisors and council when approving new hires and managing certification pay.

Council approved an ordinance clarifying the Personnel Policy to become effective January 1, 2025. The council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance.

The newly formed Redevelopment Commission held its first meeting, electing Dr. Gerry Hash as President, Tom Cornman as Vice President, and Trevor Sager as Secretary. Meetings will occur twice a month, with a work session and a decision-making meeting. The commission will begin work on establishing TIF districts, with public input encouraged.

During public comment, a resident asked if non-residents could voice opinions on the TIF district, and the council president confirmed anyone could. Another resident expressed disappointment about two council members being absent for important decisions. A resident from Maple Grove Road requested a policy to help citizens with large water bills due to leaks, suggesting a reduction based on average past usage. Michael Farmer said the town currently offers sewer credits if water does not enter the sewer and will consider developing a policy.

Marshal Jimmie Durnil requested approval for Jerry Sanders to fill an opening on the Parks Board, which was approved. Deputy Chief Chris Clouse announced the Ellettsville Volunteer Fire Department received a grant from the Smithville Foundation for a new offroad firefighting vehicle. Street Commissioner Kip Headdy reported that leaf collection had begun, and brush pickup would be on November 4. He also noted that the contractor for the Community Crossings Grant paving project started milling streets. Planner Denise Line announced a grant from the Smithville Foundation for bicycle racks and reported the trail is 60% complete. Noelle Conyer mentioned a successful online open enrollment and plans for a resolution to expand PERF for the new employee.