Spencer Council addresses infrastructure and new regulations

The Spencer Town Council met Sept. 21 for a comprehensive session addressing critical municipal operations, infrastructure projects, and legislative updates. Board members Jon Stantz, Evan McKalip, and Ginger Kohr were all in attendance, alongside clerk-treasurer Cheryl Moke.

Following the opening roll call, the council swiftly moved through routine administrative duties, approving previous meeting minutes and authorizing payments for town claims. In a move to clear longstanding financial obligations, members voted to settle two outstanding invoices from Commonwealth Engineers totaling $40,510, resolving a backlog dating back to April of this year.

Community events and infrastructure management also took center stage during the meeting. The council granted an event permit to Civilian Brewing, authorizing them to serve craft beer at the second annual Arts in the Park & Classic Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cooper Commons in Spencer. The event is being hosted by the Sweet Owen Arts Commission.

Turning to broader public works, the council discussed a revised Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) agreed order for the town sewer plant and approved funding applications for the Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG). To secure the grant for local road improvements, the town committed $41,867 in matching funds.

A substantial portion of the evening was also dedicated to collaborating with county representatives regarding a $4 million sewer expansion project required to support a new jail facility, with the council emphasizing the necessity of clear budget figures from developers before moving forward.

Legislative actions shaped much of the meeting's agenda, highlighted by the approval of four significant ordinances. Most notably, the council approved a 12-month moratorium covering data centers, solar fields, and battery energy storage systems, which will allow the town sufficient time to formulate permanent ordinances. Members also passed an ordinance providing re-zoning regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units within town limits, authorized the re-authorization of Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) agreements, and formally approved the revised IDEM agreed order.

Department reports highlighted ongoing progress across town operations, with Spencer Police Department Chief Terry Sips reporting the successful completion of field training for new personnel alongside necessary facility maintenance, including entry door repairs.

The sewer department shared news of a successful lab audit alongside updates on basin cleaning and blower repairs, while the street department reviewed ongoing signage and sidewalk maintenance projects.

Addressing public safety and community concerns, the council tackled property abandonment issues on W. Market St. and noted local parking complaints on Walnut St. for follow-up with the police department.

On a festive note, officials confirmed that official trick-or-treat hours in Spencer will be held on Halloween night, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 8:00.

The Spencer Town Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St.