The theme of the
agenda was finances at the Porter Town Council meeting Tuesday night.
The council
approved on first reading Ordinance 2017-15 to fix 2018 salaries for town
employees. Members will consider the ordinance on second reading and then
vote on it at their next meeting, Nov. 14.
Also concerning
town employees is Resolution 2017-05, Section 125, to approve the use of
pre-tax money in paying town employee health insurance premiums. President
Greg Stinson said this move is nothing new. “This is our cafeteria plan, a
standard procedure that takes place every year.” The Council voted
unanimously to adopt the resolution.
The council also
heard a presentation from James Anton of Anton Insurance Agency regarding an
increase in the town’s annual insurance costs. Due to a workers’
compensation claims experience and updates to insurance on municipal
vehicles, the ultimate increase for cost of coverage is 7 percent, or $6,000
annually. Stinson reported that he and Clerk-Treasurer Carol Pomeroy have
thoroughly reviewed the terms of coverage with Town Attorney Greg Sobkowski
to ensure that no gaps exist. Renewal of coverage was approved unanimously.
Surplus Equipment
More items have
been declared surplus and approved for auction. Among them are: Hammond
Organ Co. electric organ, Franklin Chef commercial gas stove, T100 John
Deere kerosene heater, five Trion electric air cleaners, three
Hewitt-Packard printers. The auction has not yet been scheduled.
Other Business
Building
Commissioner Michael Barry, in absentia, reported that the town has received
a quote of $45,600 dollars for repaving on Michigami Trail. Stinson said the
Public Works Department has this money ready in the budget.
The council also
heard comments from Jennifer Klug, who requested from the floor that
ordinances and resolutions be made available on the town’s website. The
council agreed that they should be online, as they are part of public
record. Pomeroy said she will coordinate with the Town’s IT professional to
add ordinances and resolutions to the website going forward.
Parks Director
Brian Bugajski reminded folks that all are welcome to the Boo Bash from 12
to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Hawthorne Park Community Center. The event
is geared for children 12 and under, with a costume contest at 1 p.m.