BTC hears department head reports
BOURBON — The Bourbon Town Council held their regular April meeting.
Clerk-treasurer Update
The Council approved claims 6321 - 6384 submitted by Clerk-treasurer Kim Berger in the amount of $222,537.94.
The Council also approved Pay App #11 for Crosby Construction in the amount of $259,689.42.
Berger brought up the Police Department Body Cameras discussion from March. She recommended the use of some of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) money to purchase nine of the cameras in the amount of $5,076. Her request was approved.
Bourbon Police Department Update
Police Chief William Martin provided his Bourbon Police Activity Report for March 2024 which included six 911 calls, three accidents, five assists to motorists, 44 assists to other agencies, six attempts to locate, one bulletin, two civil issues, five dog or animal complains, three domestic disturbances, one felony arrest, 16 foot patrols, 10 general complaints, four misdemeanor arrests, one notice served, 91 office duties completed, 17 on view, one open door / window, 34 public contacts made, 13 requests for service, 40 school patrols, 163 total security checks conducted, 97 shift end totals, 104 shift start totals, three suspicious person, vehicle or activities responded to, 14 traffic details, 14 uniform traffic tickets issued, 83 verbal warnings given, one Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check, 10 written warnings issued, and 792 total records.
Chief Martin also updated the Council that Officer Nick Spangle has taken over supervision of the reserves in maintaining everyone’s hours and training.
Public Works Update
Public Works Superintendent Roger Terry submitted his activity report along with a part-time job description for the Council’s consideration.
Building Commissioner and Zoning Enforcement Update
Bourbon Building Commissioner & Zoning Enforcement Officer Susie Schaetzle updated the Council regarding the approval of a zoning change from light industrial to multi-family accommodate the conversion of a building to a rental property. Schaetzle confirmed that the property has ample space for parking without disruption to public town parking. The Council could not approve the request as there was no resolution or ordinance prepared; the Council tabled the request pending necessary documents for approval.
Schaetzle discussed the issue of privacy fences and permits for residents in the Town of Bourbon. President Les Mcfarland recommended a meeting with Plan Director Ty Adley as the permits are now online which is resulting in some confusion between the enforcement of the County’s ordinances and the Town’s ordinances. Berger confirmed that there is a signed contract that does indicate that the County’s ordinances would be enforced over the Town’s for permits filed online. Mcfarland responded that the contract needs updated.
The Council also approved that Schaetzle send a letter to the new property owner of 412 West North to inform them of the current fence ordinance and advise they need to remedy or remove the existing fence to comply.
Fire Department Update
Bourbon Fire Department Chief Chad Stepp informed the Council that the department has responded to seven calls since the last meeting.
Chief Stepp informed the council of monthly Chief meetings held at the Sheriff’s Department to discuss mutual aid. It was recommended that Bourbon get tablets, Wi-fi internet pucks and Field Ops. T-mobile would donate the devices to every department; for Bourbon that would be two devices - one for the Engine and one for the Tanker. Field Ops is $120 a year per device which would total $240 a year for both. The pucks are $25 a month each. Chief Stepp is still in the process of writing the proposal for official consideration by the Council for funding approval but wanted to inform them of the possibility. Currently the department has been using a demo for the device; but they have not been able to experience Field Ops because there is no trial offer opportunity that Chief Stepp is aware of for use of that app.