Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
A business owner asked the Council for cooperation on a $2,500 fine.
Jason Barrett, owner of Floor Covering Inc., sought an alternative to paying the cash fine.
This summary was built from the meeting video and the official documents.
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Key Highlights
- 01A business owner asked the Council for cooperation on a $2,500 fine.
- 02Jason Barrett discussed challenges with a business expansion project and a town fine.
- 03The Town Attorney stated the Council could not intervene with the fine.
- 04Fire Chief Kevin Patton announced July 4th fireworks and a July 18th blood drive.
- 05Town Manager Michael Farmer thanked first responders for their storm response.
Written for residents
Summary
Jason Barrett, owner of Floor Covering Inc., sought an alternative to paying the cash fine. Mr. Barrett, whose business is on Temperance Street, spoke during public comment about challenges moving his business to Ellettsville. He explained difficulties with an expansion project approval and a $2,500 fine for not following town rules. Mr. Barrett asked for cooperation and suggested options other than a cash payment, such as contributing to the proposed merger of the town and Richland Township, or planting trees.
Town Attorney Darla Brown explained that any fine levied by the Planning Director can be appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals within 30 days. Mr. Barrett stated he tried to appeal but was told it was past the deadline. Council President Scott Oldham asked for alternatives, but Ms. Brown reiterated that the appeal period had passed and the matter was outside the Council's purview. Jen Barrett, co-owner and spouse of Jason, said they would pursue legal action if necessary, citing difficulties working with the town and a perceived personal issue with a town employee. Town Manager Michael Farmer acknowledged the situation was complicated from the start.
Town Manager Michael Farmer thanked first responders and the Department of Public Works for their response to recent storms. Fire Chief Kevin Patton announced that the annual fireworks display would be on July 4th at dark near the high school and junior high school, with food trucks available. He also noted the annual blood drive would take place on July 18th at the fire station.
The Council paid its bills. Council President Scott Oldham noted the agenda was light in preparation for a combined meeting with the Richland Township Trustees Board advisors.
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.
Date of minutes approved
The documents say: Approval of the Minutes for the Regular meeting May 26, 2026 (heading) followed by Scott Oldham entertained a motion to approve the minutes of the June 8, 2026 meeting.
The video says: Approval [clears throat] of the minutes for the meeting on 6/8 of 2026.
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Payment of Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll
Motion to approve the payment of outstanding accounts payable vouchers and payroll for the Town.
Also discussed
Budget Discussions (No Vote Taken)
Fine for Floor Covering Inc.
Estimated: $2,500?
Jason Barrett, owner of Floor Covering Inc., discussed a $2,500 fine related to a business expansion project. He sought cooperation from the town and proposed alternatives to cash payment, such as contributing to community projects like planting trees or supporting the town-township campaign. The Town Attorney stated the fine was outside the Council's purview and the appeal period had passed.