Poseyville amenities on display at Town Council meeting

By Dave Pearce

The heart of Poseyville (not only the organization but also the town’s functioning body) was on full display regarding not only the future but the present needs surrounding the Town of Poseville. The heart was in full swing during the March meeting of the Poseyville Town Council.

North Posey Youth Club President Jared Baehl was on hand and advised the Council that the North Posey Youth Club is constructing a new T-ball field on property located behind Crane Credit Union. The field will include a backstop and two benches. No lighting will be installed at this field or any of the other fields.

Town Council President Justin Rutledge provided various comments about the Town and Youth Club meeting to discuss future cost savings measures for the expenses at the Youth Park. It cost the Town approximately $8,695.88 in insurance, electric and utilities last year. The income for the park based on tax distribution was $6,619.88. Baehl said members of the youth organization would be interested in a meeting with town officials to discuss some type of arrangement in the future.

Baehl also stated that club officials are encouraging parents to park in the grassy area adjacent to the t-ball field, as well as the gravel parking lot, in order to keep vehicles off Jerry Wilder Lane during peak times and reduce potential safety concerns.

Baehl reported that the water has been turned on at the park. A few minor issues occurred but have since been resolved. He also noted that the Eisterhold family assisted with installing drainage to eliminate rainwater flooding issues. The project has been successful.

In another matter, Baehl informed the Council that the Heart of Poseyville Pick-Up Day will be held on April 2, 2026. He asked if the Town would again provide dumpsters for the event. In past years, the cost has been split between the Police Department Dona existing businesses to expand under the proposed ordinance language.

Jared Baehl, representing Nix Companies, was present to express concerns regarding how the new impervious surface definition could impact future business expansions.

Additional discussion included provisions regarding allowing recreational vehicles (RVs) to park in mobile home parks, as well as regulations related to electronic signage.

After discussion, the Council agreed to schedule a Public Hearing on March 31, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Hall to consider the proposed UDO and any potential provisions. Marvel advised that the Area Plan Commission will provide the Town with recommended ordinance language that includes appropriate provisions and maintains uniformity throughout the county.

A Letter of Engagement for bond council services was approved from Bose, McKinney & Evans, LLP for renovations and upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant in conjunction with the North Posey High School sewer project.

Regarding a separate project, Brenda DeVries, representing Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, was present at the meeting to explain the proposed $2 million bond issue for Sewage Works Revenue Bond Series 2026 for the Town of Poseyville.

She provided those in attendance with a timetable outlining the anticipated steps in the bond process. She explained that the schedule is contingent upon the bid process and overall project progression.

DeVries presented Ordinance No. 2026-03-10-01 to the Council for first reading and it passed unanimously.

Jeremy Farrar, Poseyville Utility Manager, indicated that the engineering report includes several alternate items that would allow the Town flexibility to adjust the project scope if construction bids are received higher than anticipated.

Due to the timing requirements of the project, Rutledge asked the Council to consider suspending the rules requiring a second reading of the ordinance at a subsequent meeting.

A motion was made to suspend the rules and allow a vote on the second reading of the proposed ordinance.

Following the unanimous vote to suspend the rules, Rutledge presented the ordinance for second reading and final adoption. The ordinance was approved by a unanimous vote.

Following the unanimous vote, DeVries introduced Ordinance No. 2026-03-10-02, the Super-Voluntary Annexation Ordinance, and explained the statutory requirements for the Town of Poseyville. She also reviewed the proposed timeline for the annexation process, which has been shared with Joe Neidig, representative of Farmington Ridge.

Super voluntary annexation is a legal process where 100 percent of landowners within the area to be annexed sign an annexation petition. This process allows municipalities to expand their boundaries to provide essential services to new areas without needing the approval of all landowners. The process typically involves a fiscal plan, public hearings, and is governed by specific state laws, such as Indiana Code 36-4-3. Super voluntary annexations can be accomplished within a condensed timeframe, making it a quicker option for municipalities seeking to expand their jurisdictions.

DeVries explained that, as required by state statute, the Town will have a fiscal plan prepared by accountant Robert Reynolds of LWG, Inc. The fiscal plan will be made available for public review and Council consideration following a public hearing on the proposed annexation.

Members of the Town Council voted to schedule a Public Hearing on March 31, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to hear public comments and concerns regarding the proposed annexation of Farmington Ridge.

Todd Slagle, Superintendent of MSD of North Posey County, requested permission from the Council to install a new electronic sign at North Elementary School on Fletchall Street in the same location as the existing sign. Slagle advised that the proposed sign would follow these conditions:

The sign would operate daily from 5:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.

The display would automatically dim during evening hours to ensure it is not overly bright or disruptive.

The structure and placement would remain consistent with the current sign and similar in size.

With a slight change incorporated by the council, that at 10 p.m. the sign be dimmed during evening hours due to the proximity of nearby residential homes.

In information from Poseyville Marshal Charles Carter, he reported that several side-by-side vehicles have recently been observed parked along Main Street. While the Town permits side-by-sides to operate on town streets, they are not permitted on state highways. Because Main Street is classified as a highway, parking side-by-sides in that area is not permitted.

Carter also encouraged the citizens to utilize the dumpsters on April 2nd to avoid any property violations in the future.

Carter also reminded citizens that it is time to renew golf cart registrations. The year displayed on the tag indicates the renewal year. Carter will be available during the Town-Wide Yard Sale at the Community Center to conduct golf cart inspections from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Poseyville Town Council will be on April 14, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., in person and live stream via YouTube Channel.