PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
PET PROJECT … Karlee Collins unveils her Eagle Scout plan to bring the Bark Park to Edgerton.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
After completion of the safety committee meeting, there was a brief 7-minute recess before the Village Council meeting began.
Mayor Bob Day called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. First was the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a brief prayer led by Day adding a special thanks for the current warmer weather.
Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht performed a roll call with all members in attendance. Current council members are Brian Bowsher, Sharon Blinzler, Jason Gruver, Chuck Wallace, Pam Wampler, and Leslie VanAusdale. Also in attendance were Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles and Administrative Assistant Amanda Knecht.
First up, as always, was the approval of the meeting minutes from February 4. With no corrections or discussion, VanAusdale moved to approve and Blinzler seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
An Eagle Scout project presentation followed for the Bark Park. Eagle Scout Karlee Collins, with the support of her scout leaders and family, outlined plans to create a community dog park, east of the water tower.
Collins is a junior at Four County Career Center and has been involved in scouts for about five years.
Collins listed benefits such as freedom for dogs to run, especially for residents who do not have a backyard. The park will also be safer as it will be completely fenced in.
The anticipated completion date is June 27, 2026. Collins plans to pursue grants and fundraising to finance the Bark Park.
Ed Bohn provided the council with concerns presented at the park board meeting, where Collins unfortunately was not able to attend.
The location was the top concern, especially considering the railroad owns part of the property.
Bohn has been in discussion and stated that an application must be filed but the railroad has no issue with the fence being put up for the park.
The quote for the fence materials is $11,000-$12,000. The quote is good until May, and fundraising will continue throughout the project. Bohn will also utilize local groups to help with construction.
Safety was another big concern. Bohn stated that the pet owner’s insurance would be responsible for dog bites and dog fighting.
Bowsher asked if the train noise would be an issue. Bohn stated that it has not been studied but they would if needed.
Bohn provided the donation letter, to do list, and the quote from the fencing company. A future scouting project will address adding items within the park.
Day noted that the village would assist in preparing the area for installation. The area is 150ft x 50ft, and would taper at one end.
Fitzcharles asked a few questions regarding the railroad property aspect. Judging from past experiences and several current agreements, the railroad can have many requirements.
Bohn stated through his conversations the only issue the railroad was concerned about was if a structure was being placed on the property, not a fence.
Fitzcharles was also going to check if there was a current agreement involving the proposed location.
Liability was another concern. After consulting the insurance company, there are several requirements for signage at the park once opened.
Required warnings include no aggressive dogs, no dogs in heat, no puppies under four months, no unvaccinated dogs, and only two dogs per person. A posted disclaimer must state that the owner is responsible for any dog bites and that visitors enter at their own risk.
A security camera at the entrance is also required. The village is required to have a reporting and follow up procedure. Weekly inspections are also required.
Scout Leader Sandy Wood asked who would be responsible for the security camera and footage.
Fitzcharles assured that the village would install the security camera and it would be added to their system. The system records video, not sound, and it is not continuously monitored.
Bowsher asked who would be responsible for upkeep. As it was being gifted to the village, it would fall under their responsibility. Scout Leader Neal Imm added that the village is already assisting with lighting and water installation.
Bohn noted they would recognize donors with a permanent sign at the park. VanAusdale made the motion to allow Collins to pursue her Eagle Scout Project and Wampler seconded. All members approved and wished Collins good luck.
Moving into reports, Day started the Mayor’s report by sharing a thank you card. Recently, the village was able to assist the Eastside School District. Edgerton provided water during a water main break in Butler, Indiana.
Fitzcharles followed with the Administrator’s report. Starting out was an update from the recent Rules Committee meeting where rules and rates for the new Edgerton Community Building were discussed.
The next committee meeting will finalize the rules and rates. The date has not yet been determined.
Construction updates include painting and water service to begin next week. Permanent power had been installed. Most of the paint should be completed by the next council meeting.
Equipment challenges for the water and sewer department arose in the days leading up to the meeting. Currently Fitzcharles is waiting on a finalized cost for a sewer pump.
The current pump parts are no longer available for purchase. Electrical testing and work will take place on March 6. The transformer will be taken offline and repaired if possible at that time. If not, a proposal will be prepared for the village.
The fiscal officer report was next, presented by Denise Knecht. First Knecht provided the credit card statements.
Knecht informed the council that the master services agreement renewal for BK Computer was coming up and the contract is being reviewed by Rothenbuehler.
The details will be discussed at the March meeting. The motion to pay the bills was made by VanAusdale, seconded by Gruver, and approved by all.
Resolutions, motions, and ordinances followed, beginning with a motion to approve and issue payment for invoice to August Mack for the Edgerton Metals Brownfield Remediation Project made by VanAusdale. Wampler seconded with all members approving. The invoice total was $26,309.53.
Tying into the discussion held at the rules committee meeting, a motion to advertise part-time general laborer for Facilities Janitorial position was requested.
This position has been open for a few years, and the other departments have absorbed those responsibilities. With the upcoming opening of the community building, a dedicated employee is needed to be responsible for the community center and town hall.
Fitzcharles clarified this would be a part-time position, starting out with five to eight hours per week. The part-time classification also eliminates payment of overtime. VanAusdale made the motion to approve and Bowsher seconded. All members approved the posting of the position.
The council approved Resolution 2026-003 to provide for the establishment of a new fund titled the Utility Improvement Fund. This fund is for the purpose of capital improvement for electrical distribution, electrical transmission, water, sewer, and storm utilities. Included in the resolution are supplements to the 2026 annual appropriations.
The funds will be eligible to all utilities, but initially the request is for two funds, electric transmission and electric distribution fund, $150,000 per fund.
This will help keep incoming and outgoing funds more visible and trackable. Gruver agreed the tracking is a good idea. Bowsher motioned to approve and Blinzler seconded. The motion was passed by all members.
Lastly, Ordinance 1165 provides a supplement to the 2026 annual appropriations. Fitzcharles added the council took action some weeks ago to provide the ability for additional compensation due to medical needs.
This is a formal motion to put it into the budget. Originally planned for a four to six week period and has now increased to 12 weeks.
The motion to approve was made by VanAusdale and seconded by Wallace. All members approved.
Council discussion followed, with Wallace noting the warm weather has increased pedestrians in town and to be careful. Utilize sidewalks when available and be aware of your surroundings, Wallace advised.
VanAusdale motioned to adjourn at 6:06 p.m. with a quick second by Wampler. All members approved adjournment.
The next village council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 at 5:30 p.m.