Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
Council approves $261,209 repair for the aerial fire truck.
The repair will take six months and ensure the 2007 truck remains in service for years.
This summary was built from the meeting video and the official documents.
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Key Highlights
- 01Council approves $261,209 repair for the aerial fire truck.
- 02Council accepts $147,834 bid to repave four streets.
- 03Council creates a Division Chief position in the Fire Department.
- 04Council conditionally hires a full-time police officer.
- 05A draft reorganization plan is ready for public review.
Written for residents
Summary
The repair will take six months and ensure the 2007 truck remains in service for years.
The council approved the repair of the 2007 aerial fire truck for $261,209. Fire Chief Kevin Patton explained that a new truck would cost $2.5 million and take four years to build. Council members agreed that fixing the truck was practical and the best option. The Fire Chief will bring loan information to the next meeting.
The council accepted a $147,834 bid from Milestone Contractors for the Community Crossings Matching Grant. Street Commissioner Kip Headdy said the grant will fund repaving Jessica Street, Meadowlands Drive, Clover Drive, and Wildflower Drive. Milestone Contractors has successfully completed previous projects for the town.
The council adopted Ordinance 2026-07, which amends the salary ordinance to add the position of Division Chief to the Fire Department. Fire Chief Kevin Patton explained this creates a Division Chief of Training. The council then voted to create the Division Chief position within the department. They also promoted Mike Cornman to Division Chief for Training and Shane Jarrett to Fire Marshal.
The council approved a conditional offer of employment for a full-time police officer. Town Marshal Jimmie Durnil stated this is a replacement position. The offer is contingent upon the individual successfully completing all required tests and acceptance into the PERF 77 fund.
Town Manager Michael Farmer announced that the reorganization committee has completed a final draft plan. The plan will be reviewed by the township board and the town board. Town Attorney Darla Brown will circulate a schedule for public review and hearings. Clerk-Treasurer Noelle Conyer reported the town completed an upgrade to its accounting software. The new cloud-based system allows residents to pay utility bills online and view usage history.
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Award Community Crossings Matching Grant Bid to Milestone Contractors
Motion to award the Community Crossing Matching Grant bid to Milestone Contractors for street paving projects on Jessica Street, Meadowlands Drive, Clover Drive, and Wildflower Drive. The total grant was for $147,834.26.
Pay Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll
Motion to pay Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll.
Ordinance 2026-07 to Amend Salary Ordinance 2025-26 to add the position of Division Chief to the Fire Department
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2026-07, which amends Salary Ordinance 2025-26 to add the position of Division Chief to the Fire Department. The Fire Chief stated that the salary ordinance matches existing Fire Marshal pay, resulting in no change to the budget. The council also approved submitting the ordinance on first reading and adopting it on the same day.
Approval for Repair of Ariel Fire Truck
Approval for the repair of the 07-fire truck's aerial ladder. Repairs are estimated at $261,209.00 and will take 6 months. The council agreed a 4-year loan is the best funding option, and Kevin Patton will bring loan information to the next council meeting.
Also discussed
Budget Discussions (No Vote Taken)
Contingency fund for fire truck repair
Fire Chief Kevin Patton mentioned a plan to have a contingency fund for any additional repairs that might be discovered during the aerial fire truck's repair process. No specific amount was discussed or moved.