The City of North Judson shared their meeting minutes from their regular meeting that took place on September 2nd of this year.
The minutes read as follows:
The North Judson Town Council met in Regular Session at the North Judson Town Hall, 310 Lane Street, North Judson, IN on the above date and time with the following present: Council President Rowe, Council Vice President Brown, Councilmembers Lewandowski, Windbigler and Banks, Clerk-Treasurer Rowe and Town Manager Leszek were present as well.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Council President Rowe asked for approval of the agenda. Council Vice President Brown moved to approve the agenda. Councilmember Banks seconded the motion, and all Councilmembers present concurred.
Council President Rowe asked for approval of the Minutes from the Regular Council Meeting on August 18, 2025. Council Vice President Brown moved to approve those Minutes. Councilmember Banks seconded the motion, and all Councilmembers present concurred.
Council President Rowe asked for approval of the Memorandum from the Executive Session on August 25, 2025. Council Vice President Brown moved to approve those Minutes, Councilmember Banks seconded the motion, and all Councilmembers present concurred.
Old Business:
Town Resolution 2025-04: 2026 Budget Appropriations & Tax Rates: Public Hearing
Council Vice President Brown made a motion to open the Public Hearing for Town Resolution 2025-04: 2026 Budget Appropriation & Tax Rates. Councilmember Banks seconded the motion, and all members present concurred.
Clerk-Treasurer Rowe stated that the public hearing notice was published on Gateway two weeks ago in order to meet the 10-day requirement. The budget has been thoroughly reviewed over previous meetings. No new changes have been made to the proposal since the last discussion. Comments were solicited from those in attendance; no public comments were received.
Council Vice President Brown made a motion to close the Public Hearing. Councilmember Lewandowski seconded the motion and all members present concurred.
Budget adoption is scheduled for the September 15th meeting.
Town Schedule of Fees – 2025 Update
There was a proposal to consolidate discussions of the Schedule of Fees and the Comprehensive Plan update. The Council has scheduled a meeting on Monday, September 9th to go over the topics. Documentation will be prepared in advance. The meeting is expected to last forty-five minutes with the schedule of fees discussion to follow immediately after.
2019 Town Comprehensive Plan Update – KIRPC Planning Meeting
Nothing Presented.
New Business:
Building Inspector Vacancy – Candidate Selection
Interviews for the position were held with final candidates. The Council noted the experience that Steve Ransom and Anthony Benson would bring to the position and the difficult decision which they had to make considering both candidates qualifications.
Council Vice President Brown made a motion to appoint Anthony Benson to the position of Town Building Inspector. Councilmember Lewandowski seconded the motion, and all members present concurred.
Recognition of Guest
Chad Scutchfield was present to discuss a Mint Festival update with the Council. He mentioned that there has been increased community involvement and volunteer participation. There was also a strong use of social media managed by Christina Alexander that helped boost engagement and vendor interest. Vendor quality improved as well. An definite increase in finances was seen from 2024 to 2025 and polls and vendor feedback showed strong approval of layout and flow. The Mint Festival’s “Fall Fest” showed strong demand as the vendor spots sold out in less than a week. Last year’s success should be seen as the “floor”, with improvements expected each year. The festival is growing financially and in community engagement, but leadership/organizational improvements are necessary to sustain growth.
Darlene Rodriguez presented the following Special Event Permit Application for Council Approval: Marvelous Mondays on Main at 118 Main Street on Mondays from now through November 2025.
Rodriguez stated that the purpose of the event was to create community gathering space in an area with limited local operations on Monday evenings. She was informed that she would need to provide insurance documentation, vendor information, and be compliant with all state and local food safety/serve safe rules. Council Vice President Brown made a motion to approve the following SEPA and waive the $50.00 fee: Marvelous Mondays on Main at 118 Main Street on Mondays from now through November 2025. Councilmember Windbigler seconded the motion, and all members present concurred.
Joshlyn Zuniga was present but had nothing to discuss at this time.
Bill Ramp was present but had nothing to discuss at this time.
Christina Alexander was present to discuss the Mint Festival’s Fall Fest. She stated that fifty percent of proceeds go directly to the festival. The upcoming event is being organized to generate additional revenue for the festival. Committee members are encouraged to share festival-related posts on Facebook to increase visibility and participation.
Donna Henry was present but had nothing to discuss at that time.
Steve Ransom was present but had nothing to discuss at this time.
Department/Representative Reports
Clerk-Treasurer – Andrew Rowe
Clerk-Treasurer Rowe stated that the upcoming audit/examination was expected sometime in September. The conference will be scheduled with Council President Rowe and Council Vice President Brown. Rowe also mentioned that the Town website was being updated by Two Bar Media. The new version will be more user-friendly, fluid, and easier to update. Photos and new content are to be added, and Leszek will be assisting with the data preparation.
Rowe presented the information for the 2025 Annual Haunting Households Home Decorating Contest. Gift card prizes will be presented to the first, second, and third place winners. The final day to sign up for the contest will be Monday, October 20th.
Council Vice President Brown made a motion to approve the Haunting Households Home Decorating Contest and prize awards. Councilmember Lewandowski seconded the motion and all members present concurred.
There was a discussion about Trick-or-Treating conflict with High School Varsity Football Sectionals. The general consensus favored hosting Trick-or-Treating on Saturday, November 1st, from 4:30 to 7:30pm. Council Vice President made a motion to move Trick-or-Treating in 2025 to Saturday, November 1st, from 4:30 to 7:30pm. Councilmember Lewandowski seconded the motion and all members present concurred.
Clerk-Treasurer Rowe presented the following Customer Adjustments Requests:
-Account No. 51445001: Utility Customer’s meter has been reading an error needing to be edited before billing. An extra zero was added to consumption by accident during editing causing a substantial increase in their bill. They are asking for a credit of $3,524.47 making their new amount due $105.25.
Council Vice President Brown made a motion to approve the following Customer Adjustment Requests:
-Account No. 51445001: Utility Customer’s meter has been reading an error needing to be edited before billing. An extra zero was added to consumption by accident during editing causing a substantial increase in their bill. They are asking for a credit of $3,524.47 making their new amount due $105.25. Councilmember Lewandowski seconded the motion, and all members present concurred.
School Board – Doug Wilde
Nothing Presented.
Building Inspector
Town Manager Leszek stated that he would be informing Tony Benson that he was selected to fill the Town Building Inspector position.
Code Enforcement – Town Marshal Frank Thomas
Town Marshal Thomas stated that over a dozen abandoned or unlicensed vehicles have been removed from properties around town. He also informed the Council that the container on Bradley Street and the semi- trailer on Main Street have been removed. Additional vehicles remain but progress is ongoing.
Unsafe Hearing
Nothing Presented.
BZA/Planning Commission Nothing Presented.
Redevelopment Commission
Clerk-Treasurer Rowe informed the Council that the next meeting would be on Monday, September 15th at 6:00 pm. Mike Reese from Troyer Group informed the Town of available Indiana Trails Program grant funding. The grant would cover eighty percent of costs for the walking trail project. The application fee from Troyer Group would be $4,700.00. The Trail would extend on the south side of the road through established trails and the area proposed for disc golf development, with added accessibility features and potential parking improvements. The Council has decided to host a Special Meeting on Monday, September 9, 2025 to decide on the grant.
Park Board – Nick Radtke
Nothing Presented.
Police Department – Town Marshal Frank Thomas
Thomas informed the Council that Joe Hisaw would return as a part-time officer for the department. He would begin the following day, training one shift with Deputy Marshal Patrick Quail before resuming independent shifts. Hisaw is expected to help cover scheduling gaps and reduce the workload on Deputy Marshal Quail.
Thomas requested that the Council allow new hire, David Hansen, an immediate enrollment of health insurance benefits with the Town. The standard policy requires a waiting period. The Council discussed competitiveness of police hiring and the need to incentivize/attract/retain qualified candidates.
Council Vice President Brown made a motion to approve immediate enrollment onto the Town’s health insurance benefits for Deputy Marshal David Hansen. Councilmember Banks seconded the motion, and all members present concurred.
Fire Department – Fire Chief Nathan Henning
Fire Chief Henning stated that they had their annual equipment testing done with no major issues reported. They also had one new member join and the member has enrolled in the Firefighter One and Two training, as required within two years of membership. Henning informed the Council that there are three open positions left. The Wayne Township Trustee has funding available for the department that will need to be used by the end of September. Two options under consideration are upgrading or refurbishing a fire trick or purchasing gear or other firehouse needs. Documentation and a spending plan with at least two quotes are required for approval. They plan to prepare cost estimates and proposals by the end of the month.
Utility Department – Utility Supervisor Kimberly Kapp
Utility Supervisor Kapp stated that the trash cans, benches and planters have been installed throughout the downtown area. Main Street Floral will supply and install mums in the planters. Future seasonal displays are also being planned. Keeping the work local ensures ongoing care and oversight. Kapp mentioned that progress was being made on alley clearing, though some challenges remain. She requested to purchase the LimbSaw Limbinator Hydraulic Bucket Chainsaw for safer trimming along alleys and other accessible
areas.
Councilmember Lewandowski made a motion to approve the purchase of LimbSaw Limbinator Hydraulic Bucket Chainsaw Model LS8 through Northern Tool & Equipment, in the amount of 2,699.00. Council Vice President Brown seconded the motion, and all members present concurred.
Kapp presented the following Purchase Orders for Council Approval:
P.O. 2858 to Living Waters Company Inc. for WWTP Annual Service & Recert (2), Invoice 94527 & 94526, in the amount of $3,883.82.
P.O. 2859 to Republic for Sludge Dumpster Removal (2), Invoice 0717-001675366, in the amount of $4,700.90.
P.O. 2860 to Flow Technics for Yearly Inspection & Recert of all Lift Stations & Plant Pumps, Invoice INV25-000095, in the amount of $2,832.00.
P.O. 2861 to H&T Electrical for Troubleshoot nonportable Water Pumps & Oxidation Ditch Motor at WWTP, Invoice 3288, in the amount of $1,113.29.
P.O. 2862 to Alexander Chemical for 150lb Chlorine Cylinder (12), 150lb Sulfur Dioxide (8), Invoice 98412, in the amount of $4,563.86.
Council Vice President Brown made a motion to approval the following Purchase Orders:
P.O. 2858 to Living Waters Company Inc. for WWTP Annual Service & Recert (2), Invoice 94527 & 94526, in the amount of $3,883.82.
P.O. 2859 to Republic for Sludge Dumpster Removal (2), Invoice 0717-001675366, in the amount of $4,700.90.
P.O. 2860 to Flow Technics for Yearly Inspection & Recert of all Lift Stations & Plant Pumps, Invoice INV25-000095, in the amount of $2,832.00.
P.O. 2861 to H&T Electrical for Troubleshoot nonportable Water Pumps & Oxidation Ditch Motor at WWTP, Invoice 3288, in the amount of $1,113.29.
P.O. 2862 to Alexander Chemical for 150lb Chlorine Cylinder (12), 150lb Sulfur Dioxide (8), Invoice 98412, in the amount of $4,563.86.
Councilmember Windbigler seconded the motion, and all members present concurred.
Council Vice President Brown asked who maintained the “welcome” sign at the west side of Town. Kapp stated that the insurance company had previously maintained the planter. She stated that her crew would take care of the maintenance moving forward.
Town Manager – Joe Leszek
Town Manager Leszek stated they had received quotes from Stamp’s Concrete for improvements at multiple Park locations. The total quoted cost was $3,980.40 for excavation, forming, pouring, and finishing. The Council expressed satisfaction with the price and agreed to move forward. Leszek stated that he would contact Stamps Concrete and get a proposal/purchase order issued.
Town Manager Leszek presented the following Purchase Orders for Council Approval:
P.O. 2863 to USI Consultants for ADA & Title VI Transition Plan, DES #2101695, Hubeny Sidewalk, Invoice 25308 & 25285, in the amount of $3,900.90.
P.O. 2864 to Max Material Transport for Replace Siding & Roof at Hill Garage, Quote 1021, in the amount of $30,155.00.
P.O. 2865 to Staples for Emerge Vortex Leather Chair (8), Invoice 9932285783, in the amount of $1,199.92.
Council Vice President Brown made a motion to approval the following Purchase Orders:
P.O. 2863 to USI Consultants for ADA & Title VI Transition Plan, DES #2101695, Hubeny Sidewalk, Invoice 25308 & 25285, in the amount of $3,900.90.
P.O. 2864 to Max Material Transport for Replace Siding & Roof at Hill Garage, Quote 1021, in the amount of $30,155.00.
P.O. 2865 to Staples for Emerge Vortex Leather Chair (8), Invoice 9932285783, in the amount of $1,199.92.
Councilmember Banks seconded the motion, and all members present concurred.
Legal Updates – Town Attorney Justin Schramm
Town Attorney Schramm reported that they had one pending case involving Mr. Witt’s property. No response has been received yet, but the court date is expected to be set. There was a legal notice that was published regarding downtown property with roof issues. Property owners did not respond within the requested timeframe. Once the 45-day period from publication ends, the Town can proceed with the next steps, similar to the approach taken on the High Street property. Staff will review the exact publication date and coordinate with legal counsel to ensure deadlines are met.
Additional Business Deemed Necessary by the Council: Nothing Presented.
Payment of Claims:
Councilmember Lewandowski made a motion to pay Payment of Claims in the amount of $354,902.86. Councilmember Windbigler seconded the motion, and all members present concurred.
Council Vice President Brown made a motion to adjourn, Councilmember Lewandowski seconded the motion, and all members present concurred.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 P.M.
