Spencer Council approves apprenticeship enrollment

Spencer Town Council members Jon Stantz, Evan McKalip and Mike Spinks met Feb. 3 to discuss the benefits of an apprenticeship program for an employee of the town's wastewater department, continued cybersecurity needs and to hear departmental reports.

Clerk-treasurer Cheryl Moke, town manager Hunter Stogsdill and town attorney Richard Lorenz were also in attendance.

Addressing public issues, the council cast separate 3-0 votes to approve two event requests beginning with a St. Patrick's Day Party to be hosted by the Spencer American Legion Post 285 on Sunday, Mar. 6.

The approval included blocking off two parking spaces for a beer garden at 154 S. Main St. in front of the Post.

Council approval was also given for the second annual Fiesta Owen County, to be hosted by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Oct. 11 on East Market Street.

The Fiesta will again celebrate Hispanic culture and shine the spotlight on Owen County's growing diversity.

Kelly Gardner, Assistant Executive Director for the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water, was in attendance to address the council regarding the Indiana Finance Authority's apprenticeship reimbursement program.

She explained how the overall income level of the local population qualified the town to again apply for additional funding.

Gardner noted how Ryan Klaassen, the town's wastewater superintendent, recently completed the program and remains the sole licensed operator for the wastewater department.

Klaassen's successful completion of the apprenticeship program has resulted in Tyler Walker, a recent hire for the utility, being enrolled in the program.

"He's going to do wonderful in the program," Gardner said of Walker. "I've met with him several times already and he's doing great."

The apprenticeship program began on Jan. 1 of this year and will continue through Dec. 31, 2026. During that time period, Gardner said the town would be eligible to be reimbursed for up to $111,676 for wages related to Walker's employment.

The eligible reimbursement would also include Medicare and FICA tax, she said, but would not include any benefits or stipends paid. In addition, the town is eligible to be reimbursed for up to $8,500 for any training he completes during the length of the program, as well as up to $900 towards the purchase of a laptop computer.

The laptop will remain under the ownership of the utility.

Gardner emphasized the Alliance will meet with Walker every six months to ensure he is up to date on required hours and assessments to be eligible for a wage increase.

The council was provided with a wage scale showing the projected wage progression for each six-month period, though Gardner said the town can elect to provide higher wage increases, if desired.

Councilman Stantz stated the program has worked well in the past and resulted in the town receiving a great employee in Klaassen.

The town will receive its reimbursement every three months, Gardner added, with town manager Stogsdill providing the Alliance with the necessary paperwork to receive the reimbursement.

Any training costs eligible for reimbursement would also be included in this paperwork filing.

Gardner will be tasked with submitting the necessary reports to the Indiana Finance Authority where she said all expenses are reviewed before reimbursement is sent to the town.

Stantz made a motion to approve and sign the program documents, and McKalip seconded the motion, which was approved 3-0.

Orion Saft, Strategic Advisor for The AME Group's office in nearby Bloomington, approached the council with recommendations related to updating its current cybersecurity, including active management of the town's firewall.

A firewall is a network security device designed to monitor, filter and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Its primary purpose, Saft explained, is to establish a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks.

Following a brief discussion, the council voted 3-0 to approve a three-year contract with The AME Group at a cost of $495 for the on-premises subscription license, as well as an initial $215 monthly service contract.

The monthly service contract will increase incrementally each year, up to $235.

Spencer Town Marshal Richard Foutch later addressed the council, noting the department is actively looking to hire additional officers.

He also sought and received council approval, 3-0, to spend up to $6,000 to purchase 10 new Intoximeters, described as portable breath alcohol testing instruments.

Foutch noted the department's current breathalyzers are nearly 20 years of age and some are beginning to malfunction.

In addition, Foutch said he will continue to obtain quotes for the purchase of a new vehicle for the department this calendar year.

Departmental reports continued with street department superintendent Tony Floyd informing the council that both street sweepers were currently inoperable.

He noted one is plagued by an electrical issue, while the other is experiencing an issue with its hydraulic pump. Floyd said he plans to inquire about potential repairs, though cautioned the council it may need to consider renting a street sweeper should repairs not be able to be made before the winter season comes to an end.

Lastly, the council heard an update from Klaassen regarding collection system issues on James Drive.

"The (sewer) line has stopped up a couple of times now, but I've got it temporarily relieved," he said. "I have someone scheduled to come out tomorrow to jet and camera the line. We need to find out why it keeps happening and stop it if we can."

Hydro-jetting is a process employed to clean clogged or slow sewage lines utilizing high-pressure water, freeing sewer lines from debris, grease, tree roots and other blockages.

Councilman Stantz asked Klaassen to explore the cost of a hydro-jetting unit should the town wish to purchase its own or something similar in the future.

Klaassen said he would explore the cost, noting the price could range from $68,000 for a used model to $90,000 or higher for a new unit.

"We don't currently have a way to open a (sewer) line if someone is having a problem and (sewage) is backing up into their house," Stantz added. "It's something we need to pursue."

The Spencer Town Council will meet again at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb.17 in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St.