Clermont Town Council Refuses To Sign Contract

Angela Spayd is Clermont's newest reserve officer.

Photo by Jay Thompson

(posted Mar 14)

The Clermont Town Council refused Councilor Walt Miller's request to approve of Ball State's contract that would have made the town, rather than the steering committee, responsible for the $5,000 bill.

Town Attorney Robert Lutz read parts of the contract to the council, which states that the contract is with town and Ball State to provide technical assistance. The contract requires $1,000 on acceptance and $4,000 as the final payment.

President Bob Hinshaw said "You don't need to go any further. This is not our project. The steering committee can deal with Ball State."

Hinshaw and the councilors would not take a chance on signing the contract because they have always promised not to use taxpayers dollars for event.

Miller created a steering committee last summer and asked Ball State for assistance to start revitalizing Clermont. The council always insisted that Miller was acting independently of the governing body.

After planning for a three day public meeting, the steering committee became stuck trying to fund Ball State's April 10-12 Charette and how to offer a tax exemption to those who donate.

The steering committee was initially counting on the Lions Club; however, the organization changed its mind about serving as a conduit to receive funds for the group.

Sue Topf and Miller came to the council at the 11th hour in need of help. The council had to take action at the March 13 meeting because the April 10 meeting would be too late. Topf and Miller wanted the council to pass a resolution so the funds collected would be tax exempt for the donor.

Topf said they did not have enough time for the steering committee to create a 501(c)(3) to create its own tax exempt status. She said the Lions Club is shying away from accepting funds so donors could receive a tax exemption because economic development is outside its scope.

Topf explained the steering committee understands that Clermont does not have the resources to enter into redevelopment projects, but they would like to take small steps to beautify the town.

Linda Lucas suggested they start by calling Marion County to enforce the sign and zoning ordinances.

After refusing to sign the contract, the council passed a resolution to create an economic development committee and fund. The council's action makes the steering committee subject to the open door law because funds will be deposited in the town's account.

Miller also told the council that INDOT notified him that the Welcome To Clermont sign on the east side of town is illegal because it is located in an easement and needs to be moved.  The council was surprise by the notice since INDOT had given the town directions on where to locate the sign.

"We'll move it as soon as we can. It is high on our priority list," Hinshaw quipped.

Councilor Nancy Baxter continues to work with Marion County Health and Hospital and DPW to find where raw sewage is entering Clermont Creek by the Welcome sign. She said she is not giving up on the three year problem but so far she is not making much head way.

Linda Backus told the council that raw sewage is in the creek by Hamilton Avenue.

Councilor John Miller plans to submit a revised ordinance next month to help reserve officers with clothing allowances. He said the reserves are responsible for paying for their guns, belts and clothing. He discussed the idea of a $400 clothing allowance with a reimbursement policy if a reserve leaves before serving a year. Miller said the gun belt alone costs $500.

Hinshaw asked what the benefit was to being a reserve when there is no compensation and mostly an out pocket expense for the reserve.

Miller said people become reserves to gain "experience" in hopes of being hired as full time officers with other departments.

The council recognized one of its new reserves, Angela Spayd, who attended the meeting.