Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
Council approves $258,400 for town-wide SCADA system migration.
The new system will integrate water towers, lift stations, and booster stations for improved monitoring.
This summary was built from the meeting video and the official documents.
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Key Highlights
- 01Council approves $258,400 for town-wide SCADA system migration.
- 02Council introduces ordinance to raise renter sewer deposit fee to $250.
- 03Council approves $155,728.44 for final fire truck payment.
- 04Council takes bids for Community Crossings Grant road work under advisement.
- 05Council establishes labor and equipment costs for the Department of Public Works.
Written for residents
Summary
The new system will integrate water towers, lift stations, and booster stations for improved monitoring.
The council approved $258,400 for a SCADA system migration from Wessler Engineering. This system will upgrade the Wastewater Treatment Plant's control panel and allow for future integration of water towers, lift stations, and water booster stations across town. The cost will be paid from the shared equipment replacement account with the Eastern Richland District.
The council introduced an ordinance that would increase the sewer deposit fee for renters from $100 to $250. Wastewater supervisor Jeff Farmer explained that the increase would help cover unpaid final sewer bills when renters move, as sewer service cannot be shut off like water. Council member William Ellis expressed concern that the increase might punish renters who consistently pay their bills.
The council approved $155,728.44 for the final payment on a fire truck. Clerk Treasurer Noelle Conyer stated the funds would come from the Local Income Economic Development Fund.
The council took bids for the Community Crossings Grant road work under advisement. Town Attorney Darla Brown read bids from E&B Paving ($154,277.15), DC Construction Services ($196,486.51), Milestone Contractors ($147,834.26), and Lentz Paving ($166,152.39). Street Commissioner Kip Headdy explained that while the town did not initially receive the grant due to reduced state funds, Senate Bill 179 proposes an additional $75 million for smaller communities, which could secure funding for Ellettsville.
The council approved a resolution to establish labor and equipment costs for the Department of Public Works. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained this resolution repeals a previous one and removes overlap with charges regulated by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), setting rates the town will charge other contractors.
The council tabled discussion on the Heritage Center rental rules and regulations. Town Manager Michael Farmer raised concerns about the certificate of insurance requirement, citing issues with deductibles and the claims process. Council members also discussed the $500 damage deposit and the ability to waive fees for employees or other entities.
The council allowed Wastewater Supervisor Jeff Farmer to take bids for a new septic receiving station under advisement. West Concrete bid $59,574.00 and Eric Mastin bid $57,830.00. Mr. Farmer will review the bids against the blueprints and specifications.
Town Manager Michael Farmer commended the street department for their work during recent snow events. Street Commissioner Kip Headdy noted his team worked continuously for three days, coordinating with Monroe County Highway and the City of Bloomington. He also mentioned the new facility greatly aided their operations.
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Take Community Crossings Grant bids under advisement
Bids were received from E&B Paving ($154,277.15), DC Construction Services ($196,486.51), Milestone Contractors ($147,834.26), and Lentz Paving ($166,152.39) for the Community Crossings Grant project. The Street Commissioner explained that grant funding is uncertain, pending Senate Bill 179. The bids will be reviewed and held until funding is confirmed.
Pay Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll
Motion to approve payment for outstanding accounts payable vouchers and payroll.
Resolution 03-2026 to Establish Labor and Equipment Costs for DPW
This resolution repeals Resolution 30-2025 and establishes rates the town will charge other contractors for labor and equipment, removing overlap with IURC-regulated charges.
Resolution 04-2026 Additional Appropriation for Final Fire Truck Payment
Approves an additional appropriation from the Local Income Economic Development Fund for the final payment of the Fire Truck.
Approve Wessler Engineering bid for WWTP SCADA system migration
Approval of the Wessler Engineering bid for programming, labor, system software, and licensing for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) SCADA system migration, not to exceed $258,400.00. This system will eventually integrate water towers, lift stations, and water booster stations.
Allow Wastewater Supervisor to take septic proceeding station bids under advisement
Bids were received for the construction of a new septic proceeding station at the Wastewater Treatment Plant from West Concrete ($59,574.00) and Eric Mastin ($57,830.00). The Wastewater Supervisor will review the bids with new prints and specifications.
Also discussed
Budget Discussions (No Vote Taken)
Ordinance 2026-02 Amending the Sewer Deposit Fee
Estimated: $250?
Discussion on increasing the sewer deposit fee for renters from $100 to $250. Concerns were raised about the significant jump and its impact on renters, as well as the town's challenges with unpaid sewer bills from moving tenants. The Town Attorney will investigate options for filing liens on property owners. No motion or vote was taken on this first reading.