Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
Council votes to explore reorganization with Richland Township.
The Council approved a resolution to explore reorganization with Richland Township.
This summary was built from the meeting video and the official documents.
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Key Highlights
- 01Council votes to explore reorganization with Richland Township.
- 02Council approves interlocal agreement for Monroe County traffic crash grant.
- 03Council approves annexation of 73.286 acres on West Flatwoods Road.
- 04Council modifies Unified Development Ordinance for minor subdivisions.
- 05Council approves ordering a new fire truck.
- 06Council holds $4,000 escrow for Ruby Creek subdivision bond.
Written for residents
Summary
The Council approved a resolution to explore reorganization with Richland Township. This decision follows a similar resolution passed by the Richland Township Board on November 10. Town Attorney Darla Brown clarified this is an initial step in a process, not a final commitment. The Council also tabled the selection of candidates for a reorganization committee, seeking more community input; residents can submit names via email.
The Council approved an interlocal agreement with Monroe County for a traffic crash grant. Town Attorney Darla Brown stated the Monroe County Sheriff's Department received a $43,900 grant from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. This grant will establish a Major Crash Investigation team, including two officers from the town. The grant covers officer overtime, with the town responsible for overtime once grant funds are depleted.
The Council approved the fiscal plan for the annexation of 73.286 acres owned by Larry Neidigh. This property is located at 8640 West Flatwoods Road. Planning Director Denise Line noted the Plan Commission had unanimously recommended the annexation. The property will be designated Agricultural upon annexation.
The Council modified the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), changing the definition of a minor subdivision from three to four or fewer lots. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained this gives developers and property owners more flexibility. Minor subdivisions can be approved by the Plan Commission without the more rigorous process of major subdivisions.
The Council approved Fire Chief Kevin Patton's request to order a new fire truck. Chief Patton explained that ordering now could secure a vehicle for August or September 2026. Town Manager Mike Farmer was authorized to handle the financing paperwork. The truck's payments will come from the existing contract with Richland Township.
The Council approved terminating cash bonds for Ruby Creek Subdivision, Phases 1 and 3, from developer Phil Tapp. The approval was conditional on holding $4,000 in an escrow account to cover necessary retention pond work. Town Manager Mike Farmer estimated the work would cost $2,000.
The Council approved an additional appropriation of $25,000 from the LIT ED fund for the Heritage Center project. Clerk Treasurer Noelle Conyer also noted a $650 transfer from the General fund for trail signs. A $39,490 appropriation for Drug Education and Equipment was approved, funded by a grant.
The Council approved rezoning 8631 West Flatwoods Road from C2 Commercial 2 to Industrial 1 Light Industrial. Planning Director Denise Line stated the petitioner, MG3 Properties LLC, plans to build self-storage units. The Plan Commission had unanimously recommended the rezone.
Street Commissioner Kip Headdy announced Main Street would be reduced to one lane starting next Monday for a bridge deck project. The project is estimated to take 300 days to complete.
Check the sources
Where the video and the documents differ
The meeting video and the official documents state different things on the points below. The summary uses the documents' figure, except where a point says the documents' figure could not be read.
Drug Education & Equipment Grant amount (Resolution 36-2025)
The documents say: not stated
The video says: $39,490
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll
Motion to approve payment of accounts payable vouchers and payroll.
Resolution 35-2025 Transfer for Fire Department
Approval of a request from the Fire Department to transfer $5,000.00 from Natural Gas to Gas and Oil to cover expenses for the remainder of the year.
Resolution 36-2025 Additional Appropriation (General, LIT ED & Drug Education)
Approval of additional appropriations including $25,000 from LIT ED for the Heritage Center project, $650 from the General fund for trail signs (reappropriation of an encumbrance from Planning), and appropriation of grant funds for Drug Education & Equipment for the Police Department (amount not stated).
Resolution 38-2025 Approving an Interlocal agreement with Monroe County Traffic Crash Grant
Approval of an interlocal cooperation agreement with Monroe County for a Major Crash Investigation team. The Monroe County Sheriff's Department received a $43,900.00 grant from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to pay for officer overtime for this team. The Town will be reimbursed for its officers' overtime through the grant and will be responsible for overtime costs once the grant funds are exhausted.
Supplemental Fire Services Agreement Richland Township 2026
Approval to renew the Supplemental Fire Services Agreement with Richland Township for 2026, which includes a 4% increase on the road portion factor.
Fire Truck Financing and Order Approval
Approval for Fire Chief Kevin Patton to place an order for a new fire truck, with delivery anticipated in August or September 2026, and for Town Manager Mike Farmer to sign the associated paperwork. The Town will finance the truck, with payments covered by the Richland Township fire services contract.
Termination of Cash Bonds for Ruby Creek Subdivision, Phases 1 and 3
Approval to terminate cash bonds for Ruby Creek Subdivision Phases 1 and 3, developed by Phil Tapp. A total of $17,189.12 (Phase 1: $3,478.52; Phase 3: $13,710.60) in bonds will be released, with $4,000 held in escrow until remaining work (retention pond mucking, dam rip rap repair, ditch grading) is completed. Developer Phil Tapp agreed to pay the Town $2,000 for this work.
Town Manager to arrange PTO schedule for employee benefit
Motion to allow the Town Manager to arrange the PTO schedule for the benefit of employees, following a suggestion to provide an extra holiday due to no raises this year.
Also discussed
Budget Discussions (No Vote Taken)
Ordinance 2025-26 Salary Ordinance for Budget Year 2026
Discussion on changes including Police Department grant patrol, removal of $300 biometric screening, and board compensation at $100 per meeting. Council member Dan Swafford expressed disapproval regarding the cessation of compensation for council members serving on other boards. Certified salaries for Fireman First Class and Police Officer First Class were discussed in relation to the 77 retirement fund.
Adding Richland Blossom Healthcare Road to Town Inventory
Discussion about potentially taking a road, recently resurfaced by Richland Blossom Healthcare, into Town inventory for maintenance (snow plowing, repairs). The road was previously in need of major repair due to years of wear and ambulance traffic, but a new entrance has reduced wear. Council discussed the fiscal implications and decided to gauge RBB's interest.