Winamac Town Council discuss pool, park updates

Details

Published: Friday, 12 February 2016 21:45

WINAMAC - The Winamac Town Council viewed drawings of the proposed renovations to the former town pool at its February meeting.

Mark Yoder with Premier Aquatic Construction presented the council with the drawings. Discussion followed regarding the renovation.

Councilmember Judy Heater stated that the pool committee continues to seek funds through fundraisers. Donations from the Galbreath LLC and BraunAbility firms have already been received.

In other business, the council voted 3-1 to proceed with the process of drafting a park board ordinance to re-organized the park committee.

Town attorney Justin Schramm outlined the matter with the council, including current ordinances in place. Discussion was held, and the council indicated it would like additional information. 

Councilmember Dan Vanaman voted in opposition to drafting a new ordinance. Council member Jim Watkins was absent from the meeting.

Town Manager Brad Zeller’s report:

• Long Branch Hotel has been torn down and hauled away. The county was not able to provide a truck for helping with the hauling. K. R. Denth Trucking, Inc. from Lynwood, Ill. hauled for a cost of $2,070. Approval to pay this invoice is needed, and the council voted its approva
• The Iris-Elm Garden Club would like to plant wildflowers in some of the Long Branch Hotel area. The Council would like more information regarding the matter.
• The committee for the Indiana Main Street program has begun working with OCRA to get the program started.  (Indiana Main Street encourages the revitalization and restoration of downtown areas in Indiana cities and towns. The program provides technical assistance and educational opportunities to participating communities. Indiana Main Street is the state's coordinating program to the National Main Street Center.)
• Cathy DeFries has asked for permission to have a shaved ice booth in the caboose.  Discussion was held regarding water and sewer services. Electric and water deposits will need to be taken. The council tabled the discussion until next month.

Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger's report:

• The list of uncashed and undeliverable checks was presented to the council. The council voted to approve the list.
• Fire contracts were received from the following townships and need council approval:  Jefferson Township, Rich Grove Township, and Franklin Township. The council voted approval..
• The Town received the aviation and 911 invoices from the county auditor’s office.  The aviation appropriation was over budget so $15,000 was paid from the general fund and the balance of $3,952.49 was paid from the Rainy Day Fund.

Department reports:

Town Marshal Mike Buchanan presented the statistical report for last month. He stated that with the weather being fairly good, his department had a quiet month. 

Wastewater foreman Waylon Burke reported that the vac truck has been serviced; they helped the Water Department with three water line breaks; plowed snow; waxed all vehicles; helped with sand at the Long Branch Hotel; conducted lab work; and emptied the drying beds.

Water and Street superintendent Jeremy Beckner reported that his department has been fixing water leaks; continued to pick up brush; repaired potholes; and hauled sand for the Long Branch Hotel. He is going to begin testing large customer meters to make sure the readings are correct. All of the water meters have been replaced except for one which should be done this week.

Electric superintendent Doug Shorter was not in attendance. His report was presented to the council by Zellers. The electric department replaced four small poles in Van Meter Park for a switch over; completed line clearance in Van Meter Park; replaced poles on CR 200 South and added down guy wire. The new truck should be ready in a couple of weeks. Everything has been put back in place from the fire at Jenkins;

Zellers asked the council, on behalf of park manager Dave DeLorenzo, to consider three  bids for the removal of trees in the park. The bids were: Heims Tree Service $3,875; Leroy’s tree Service $9,000; and Williams Tree Service & Stump Removal $8,650.  the council voted to accept Heims Tree Service’s bid.

Sgt. First Class David Tapia Jr. addressed the council regarding recruitment to the U. S. Army in Winamac. He reported he has been trying to engage students at the high school and is experiencing difficulties with the school guidance counselor and principal.  Councilmember Judy Heater suggested Sgt. Tapia speak with the school corporation’s superintendent directly. Sgt. Tapia also presented statistics with the U. S. Army.

Jim O’Donnell asked that the roadway in front of his house and to the alley south of him be looked at as water stands in that intersection. The Town will look into this issue.

Town Marshal Mike Buchanan stated that neither Medaryville, nor Francesville pay Pulaski County for 911 dispatch. Zellers will look into why Winamac pays.

Before the meeting, council president Kenneth McFarland asked that a moment of silence be taken as a tribute to the passing of recently retired councilmember Richard Denney.