Winamac Town Council listens to pool/swim options, but rejects bids for pool repair

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Published: Friday, 22 August 2014 17:41

WINAMAC - The Winamac Town Council, at its August meeting, continued to hear updates and consider options and alternatives for instructional and recreational swim opportunities in town, in light of the municipal swimming pool closure this summer due to its age and disrepair.

Also, the council was approached with a proposal to work with the county to work out a uniform zoning code for both the town and the county.

Council member Judy Heater, gave an update on swim issues and reported on a discussion with Mike Banta, director of the Pulaski County Family YMCA. The Y is working with Pulaski County Human Services to transport children for swim lessons and water aerobics to West Central School Corporation for use of its swimming facilities.

Mrs. Heater also discussed the possibility of a splash pad at Rinehart Park. She also spoke with former IDNR conservationist Jeff Richwine who asked about blending the school and hospital with the DNR to build an enclosed pool that could be used all year. PMH administrator Tom Berry is looking into resources. State Rep. Douglas Gutwein and State Sen. Ed Charbonneau are willing to discuss the pool issue with the Town Council.

Mrs. Heater also reported that the community is blaming the Family Y for there being no pool, and word needs to be put out that the pool is not the Y's responsibility. Councilman Tom Murray said he felt the pool needed to be filled in with sand for safety reasons.

Lastly, Mrs. Heater made a motion to reject the bids for repairing the swimming pool, seconded by Richard Denney. The motion passed with a 3-2 vote, opposed by Dan Vanaman and John Plowman.

Dave Bennett spoke to the council about updating the zoning. The county has hired a firm to look at the Pulaski County’s zoning to make it uniform with town zoning. Bennett asked if the town would like to be a part of this uniform zoning. The county’s cost is $46,000 and Bennett estimates the Town of Winamac’s portion to be $5,000. Town attorney John Kocher suggested a committee be formed to work with the county and a decision be made later. Council president John Plowman said he would serve on the committee.

In other business, YMCA director Mike Banta submitted a letter to the council regarding placement of a permanent sign for the Y at the triangle property at the intersection of US 35 and 15th Street. The town is currently purchasing the property from the State of Indiana and Kocher recommended leasing this property to the Y.  Council member Denney noted that state documents indicate there is a hazmat concern. Councilman Murray asked if the ground could be tested before the town made the purchase to avoid an environmental issue. Town manager Jim Conner was instructed to research this issue before the council decides to purchase.

Prospective Eagle Scout Clark Gudas updated the council on the new skatepark at Rinehart Park. The concrete is finished and landscaping will begin. A grand opening has been scheduled for Aug. 23 with food, drinks and a band.

The council approved the grand opening activities, but asked that the band quit playing at 9 p.m. The sign needs to be put up, which the town manager needs to approve. Murray said the checkerboard at the park is an eyesore, and attorney Dan Murphy, whose son installed the checkerboard as his Eagle Scout project, said it was okay to remove it. Mrs. Heater said she would talk to the Lion’s Club about refurbishing the benches.

Dr. Ed Hollenberg asked for the council’s permission to plant trees along US 35. After discussion, it was determined the property in question does not belong to the town. Dr. Hollenberg will need to ask the landowners. Plowman suggested the town provide Dr. Hollenberg with a letter of support and the council agreed.

Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger asked the council for permission for a new webpage for the Town of Winamac, and was advised to get quotes.

She also reported she had renewed the Electric Cash Operating # 19 and Electric Cash Operating # 20 certificates of deposits, and provided the Consignor Settlement from Olson Auctions for the sale of town equipment. The annual maintenance contract with KeyStone was presented and the council approved the renewal. Council President Plowman, signed the contract. Plowman also signed the delegation form so the clerk-treasurer can vote on the town’s behalf at the IACT Conference in September.

At last month’s council meeting, discussion was held regarding Town elections. The clerk-treasurer spoke with Dale Simmons with the State Election Board. Simmons said the town can adopt an ordinance for a one-year term for the elected officials in 2016, and then return to four-year terms. After discussion, the council asked to look at an ordinance next month.

The 2015 budget was presented to council. At the annual budget meeting with the Department of Local Government and Finance (DLGF) representative, one of the miscellaneous revenues was erroneously entered by the DLGF representative. The clerk-treasurer was scheduled to meet with the representative on Aug. 19 to correct the error. Therefore, the advertisement dates need to be Sept. 10 and Sept. 17. The public hearing will have to be either Sept. 22 or Sept. 29 so the council can adopt the budget at the Oct. 13 regular council meeting. After discussion, the council set the public hearing for the 2015 budget for 7 p.m., Sept. 22, at the Utilities Complex.  

The clerk-treasurer informed the council that she had spoken with Nordic, the gas supplier for the Town of Winamac. The cost to terminate the contract with Nordic is $2,762.11. She drafted a letter to Nordic terminating the town’s contract which attorney Kocher approved. The council voted to terminate the contract with Nordic.

Under report items:

Electric Superintendent Doug Shorter has returned from medical leave. The lights on Galbreath Drive, trees in Terrace Drive and the project west of town were discussed with him.

Wastewater Superintendent Brad Zellers informed the council that the county tile is off the line and is no longer infiltrating the town system. The school area flooded and the state highway needs to repair two catch basins. The water department has been jetting and TVing lines. Zellers also stated that the control box on the mosquito sprayer is broken, and he returned for repairs. It was sent back broken in a different area. It has been returned once again for repairs and the company has sent a loaner. He is going to keep this one until the season is done. Cost for a new one is approximately $2,200. It was discussed that two people are necessary to spray for safety reasons.

Chief of Police Mike Buchanan presented his monthly report to the council. Discussion was held regarding bicycle patrol, and it was decided to add $1,500 to the 2015 Budget in the Continuing Education Fund for bike, helmet and clothing. Buchanan presented a letter from Officer Peterson who will retire on Aug. 29. The 2015 Budget does include a sixth full-time officer. The tires at Jenkin’s were discussed.

Park Manager Rick Dilts informed the council that flag football is starting, and softball continues until early October. Shelter rentals are full on weekends. Cannonball is coming until the end of the month. (Cannonball rents 18 tables at $3 each when they are here.) Replacing the mortar at the front gate has begun. The pavers will arrive this month, weather permitting, to pave the walking trail. Trimming trees and bushes continues. Trash and alcohol issues were discussed and pavilion/table rental rates were also discussed. Mrs. Heater informed the council that the pony ring cannot be used for the 4-H dog program because there is no fencing.

Water and Street Superintendent Jeremy Beckner informed the council that his department is picking up brush and installing hydrant markers. The main located at DQ needs to be repaired, as the bottom of the pipe has disintegrated. The streets are being swept. EJP was set for Aug. 18 for fire hydrant training at the shop, and a demonstration at the fire station. Beckner was to ask surrounding towns if they would like to participate in the training. Other fire departments will be invited to attend the training in the evening. Steve Fites and Al Seidel are retiring Aug. 29. Beckner would like to move Mike Richardson from the town mechanic position into the water department and hire Brett Beach for the street department. Following discussion, the council voted 3-2 to approve Beckner's recommendation with Murray and Vanaman opposed. Denney asked if there was a way to put fire hydrants in Ewing Addition.

Town Manager Jim Conner reported on the following:

• Paving bids were received as follows: E & B Paving – $59,071, Central Paving – $56,774 and Town & Country Paving - $52,945. Following discussion, the council voted 4-1 to accept Central Paving’s bid as presented, with Plowman abstaining.
• The 2014 sidewalk applications were presented to the Council. Two homeowners have asked to participate, one house had tree damage to its sidewalk and four corners need to be replaced for ADA purposes.
• A letter of support for the Pulaski County Blight Elimination program grant application was presented to the council. The council approved, and the letter was signed by all.
• Advanced Disposal sent a letter regarding an increase in stops. They were charging for 1,000 containers and because business pickups were added, they now have 1,136 stops which will be an increase of $1,335.52 per month on the monthly billing.
• Property and Liability bids were opened: Budd Agency: $55,510 package liability with $18,254 for worker’s compensation for a total of $73,764.00. General Insurance Services (GIS): $63,957. The Council asked the town manager to review the bids and accept the lowest and most responsive bid.
• The third quarter tracking factor was figured at .003471. The council approved a motion to pass the tracking factor onto the customers.
• Frank Deveau, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, sent an e-mail with an update regarding the Galco issue.
• The following resolutions were presented to the council:
  • A. Economic Revitalization Area, LaurDi, LLC, Confirming Resolution No. 12 of 2014;
  • B. Tax Abatement – Real Estate, LaurDi, LLC, Resolution No. 13 of 2014;
  • C. Economic Revitalization Area, Potthoff Properties, Confirming Resolution No. 14 of 2014; and
  • D. Tax Abatement – Real Estate, Potthoff Properties, Resolution No. 15 of 2014.

Following discussion the council voted to accept all resolutions, as presented.