DNR presents 'Small Town Big Trees' grant opportunity to Spencer Council

Infrastructure investments and municipal housekeeping led the agenda as the Spencer Town Council approved over $175,000 in wastewater improvement payments and accepted bids for surplus police vehicles during its regular meeting on July 6. Vice president Evan McKalip and council member Ginger Kohr were in attendance, while council president Jon Stantz was absent.

Clerk-Treasurer Cheryl Moke attended in person, and town attorney Richard Lorenz joined by phone, though connection issues required Lorenz to follow up with a written report.

The council opened the meeting by considering the approval of the official minutes from the previous meeting as well as the presented docket of claims. Following a motion and second, both the minutes and claims were approved unanimously in a 2-0 vote.

In public issues, Amy Rhodes from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) delivered a presentation regarding “Tree Canopy Grants” available under the DNR’s Community Urban Forest Program. Rhodes explained that funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 is available through the “Small Town Big Trees” program.

During the meeting, Rhodes was introduced to Colleen Minnemeyer, representing the Spencer Parks Department, and Kovenant Liby from Planning and Zoning. Both departments will follow up with Rhodes to evaluate potential tree canopy enhancements across Spencer prior to the September 11 grant application deadline.

The council next considered an event request submitted by the American Legion Post #285 for an activity scheduled on July 18, between 2 and 9 p.m. The Legion requested the temporary use of public parking spaces directly in front of its building, with no additional municipal support required. A motion to approve the request was made, seconded, and passed 2-0.

Infrastructure matters followed, as the council reviewed three invoices from Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. (CEI) for Phase 1 Wastewater Improvement services. The invoices included Invoice 65732 for $155,750, Invoice 65733 for $9,683, and Invoice 67230 for $9,761. McKalip moved to approve all three invoices, and Kohr seconded the motion. The vote passed 2-0.

Bids were subsequently opened for two surplus police vehicles. The town received one bid for each vehicle: a bid of $1,260 for a 2016 model and a bid of $1,555 for a 2018 model. McKalip made a motion to accept the bids, which was seconded by Kohr and approved 2-0.

In addition, closing documents were presented for signature by the council president. McKalip moved to accept the closing paperwork, seconded by Kohr. The motion passed 2-0. Stantz was expected to sign the paperwork upon his return.

During departmental reports, Spencer Police Department Chief Terry Sips provided an update on department operations. Sips informed the council that 35 employment applications had been distributed, and four completed applications returned. He also briefed the board on active facility repairs currently underway.

No reports were submitted by the sewer, street, parks, planning and zoning, redevelopment, or fire department.