By Melissa Gibson
The Brownsburg Town Council met March 23 for a regular meeting at the Brownsburg Town Hall. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 13 at 61 N. Green St., Brownsburg.
What happened: Parks and recreation director Travis Tranbarger requested the council pass the Recreation Impact Fee (RIF) Update Study.
What this means: Every five years, the parks department reviews park impact fees for new businesses and residents. After discussion March 9, the amended document adjusts the fee to 8%, applied over the next five years. Tranbarger said park impact fees will fund approximately 60% of Virgil Park development. The third and final adoption was approved unanimously, including the increase.
What happened: BPD Chief Joe Grimes shared the police department report.
What this means: Grimes reviewed current hiring for three vacancies and said as part of 2024 budget preparation he plans to look at competitive salaries because the department has “fallen short” in recent years. Because the recruitment process requires investment, including weeks of training and service hours, Grimes wants the department to hire and retain qualified personnel.
What happened: BFT Chief Larry Alcorn shared the fire territory report.
What this means: Alcorn echoed the issues regarding salary and benefits Grimes shared. The fire territory has five vacancies and is working on a lateral hiring process. Alcorn has experienced some applicants turning down offers because Brownsburg is offering lower salaries than nearby fire departments.
What happened: Water superintendent Frank Monts shared the water department report.
What this means: Monts said the department would begin the annual system flushing April 3. They will update the public on social media.
What happened: Water utilities director Kathy Dillon shared the wastewater department report.
What this means: Dillon told the council about training the department recently received about rebuilding some of the 30 valves the department has that are becoming rusted and difficult to maneuver. Replacing the valves can cost $3,000-$10,000, making the rebuild training a benefit.
Dillon invited the public to participate in the annual town clean up at 9 a.m. April 22. Individuals, families and groups from organizations such as church, school or business can register with the Parks Department to remove invasive species or clean up litter and trash at Williams Park.
What happened: Development services director Jodi Dickey requested rezone approval for property at the northwest corner of East 56th Street and Dale Schier Drive.
What this means: The applicant requests a zoning amendment from neighborhood commercial (NC) to high intensity general commercial (C2) to include an expansion to the existing State Bank business with drive-thru access and a new area for future development. Council approved the ordinance unanimously for third and final adoption.
What happened: During public comment, it was requested that the council appoint a fifth Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) member.
What this means: Absent council president Travis Tschaenn sent a letter for the council to read, appointing Matthew Browning to the BZA.