Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
Council adopts new non-recurring water rates and charges.
The new rules include a $5 increase on water tap charges and updated reconnection fees.
This summary was built from the meeting video and the official documents.
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Key Highlights
- 01Council adopts new non-recurring water rates and charges.
- 02Council approves $104,995 for a new Wastewater Treatment Plant SCADA system control panel.
- 03Council approves a study for a fire protection territory with Richland Township.
- 04Council approves a $19,155 agreement for Community Access Television Service.
- 05Council reappointed Ronnie Vandeventer and Katey Michael to the Parks Board.
Written for residents
Summary
The new rules include a $5 increase on water tap charges and updated reconnection fees.
Council adopted Ordinance 2026-01, amending non-recurring water rates and charges. Reconnection fees were set at $40 during business hours and $80 after business hours. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), the state utility regulator, approved the town's requested changes. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance.
The council approved $104,995 for a new control panel for the Wastewater Treatment Plant's SCADA (System Controls and Data Acquisition) system. Wastewater Supervisor Jeff Farmer said the current system, from 1997, has no available parts. He noted the SCADA system allows the plant to operate with Monday through Friday staff instead of requiring 24/7 staffing. The funds will come from the combined equipment replacement account, and the council voted unanimously.
Council approved a consultation with Baker Tilly for a financial study to establish a fire protection territory with Richland Township. Fire Chief Kevin Patton explained the study would help determine the best path forward, ensuring continued fire protection services for Richland Township residents. He noted that Richland Township officials expressed satisfaction with the current services. The council voted 4-0 to approve the consultation, with Dan Swafford absent.
Council approved a $19,155 agreement with CATS TV for community access television service. Clerk Treasurer Noelle Conyer stated the contract includes a 2% increase from the previous year. The agreement adds filming for the Parks and Recreation Board, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Reorganization Committee. The Ellettsville Building Corporation was removed from the list of televised meetings. The council voted unanimously.
Council reappointed Scott Oldham as President and Dan Swafford as Vice President. Ronnie Vandeventer and Katey Michael were reappointed to the Parks Board for four-year terms. President Scott Oldham appointed Traves Conyer to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Deputy Fire Marshal Shane Jarret presented a proclamation designating January 19-25, 2026, as Community Risk Reduction Week, highlighting various fire department programs.
Town Manager Michael Farmer encouraged residents to attend upcoming reorganization committee meetings, including a full meeting the following day. He stated that a mailer with pertinent information would soon be sent to every registered voter. He offered to facilitate meetings to explain the reorganization process.
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll
Motion to approve the payment of Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll.
Resolution 01-2026 Cancellation of Warrants
Approval of Resolution 01-2026 to cancel outstanding checks dated two or more years as of December 31st, totaling $539.90.
Ordinance 2026-01 Amending the Schedule of Non-Recurring Water Rates & Charges
Adoption of Ordinance 2026-01 to amend the schedule of non-recurring water rates and charges, following IURC approval. The IURC approved tap charges $5 higher than requested and set reconnection charges at $40 during business hours and $80 after business hours.
Agreement to Provide Community Access Television Service
Approval of the agreement to provide Community Access Television Service for a total of $19,155, including a 2% increase from the previous year. The agreement was amended to strike the Ellettsville Building Corporation from the list of televised meetings.
WWTP SCADA System Control Panel Purchase
Approval of the purchase of a new SCADA system control panel for the Wastewater Treatment Plant from PAC IV, which was the lowest bid. The panel takes 4-8 weeks to build.
Consultation for the Establishment of a Fire Protection Territory
Approval to engage Baker Tilly for a financial study regarding the development of a fire protection territory between the town of Ellettsville and Richland Township.
Also discussed
Budget Discussions (No Vote Taken)
WWTP SCADA System Integration
Jeff Farmer explained that after the control panel purchase, a quote from Wessler Engineering would be presented for the integration, including computers, software, and licensing. This system would also integrate water towers, booster stations, and lift stations.
WWTP Dumping Station Relocation
Jeff Farmer stated that bids would be brought to the next meeting for constructing a new dumping station, as the current one is failing. The new station will be located at the Wastewater Plant with card reader access for all septic trucks.
WWTP Lab and Administration Building Upgrades
Jeff Farmer is seeking prices for upgrades to the lab and administration buildings, including replacing original carpet and tile, painting, addressing sagging ceiling tiles, and adding spray foam insulation to improve heating and cooling efficiency.