CLAYPOOL - Attorney Mike Reed attended the Claypool Town Meeting Monday to discuss the potential annexation project.

Reed answered several questions from residents regarding the proposed plan. The main concern was, "Would the annexation change the current zoning category?" Reed assured those present that the annexation would not change current zone categories. If a property is zoned agriculture, the annexation would not change that. Reed said, "The town cannot rezone property." The questions were prompted by a letter from John and Peggy Shively, who voiced their concerns for their property's future if the annexation is passed.

The protocol for annexing is to first develop a petition to annex. The next step is to hold a public hearing. The approximate time for a project of this magnitude typically takes six months from start to finish. Reed reiterated that none of the above steps have been taken as of yet and this idea has only been verbalized.

Jerry Johnson and Dan Willis, representing the Lions Club, asked the town to reapprove their plan to add a picnic shelter on their property. The board approved the Lion's initial request last month, which had a setback of 17 feet. Johnson brought drawings showing that the original 17 feet would not allow enough room for the new playground equipment they are planning to purchase. The new plan asks for a 5-foot setback. The Lions Club is adding more equipment for smaller children (6 years and under). The board approved.

New business included an issue with the property at 106 W. Section St. In April 2003, the owner of the property paid a $75 water-meter deposit. As of August 2006, the owners had still not received a bill for the water and sewage usage. The board agreed to have Town Clerk Niki Lincoln contact the State Board of Accounts to see what options are available to collect the monies from the owner.

Concerned resident Duane Allen asked the board to look into why the two full-time town employees are being paid for their one-hour lunch. Allen voiced his concern because the town is looking into hiring a full time marshal. Allen felt that the paid lunch hours of two employees is 243 hours, which at approximately $20 per hour, equates to $4,860 per year. Board member Larry Neher argued that while they may be eating lunch, they are still on-call.

Claypool may not be allowed to change from NIPSCO to REMC for their electricity. According to Indiana law, ".... Areas of Indiana shall be divided into designated geographic areas within which an assigned electrical supplier has the sole right to furnish retail electric service to customers." The only way to change a service area requires the consent of both providers.

Residents are concerned the school bus isn't driving back into the corner of South Clay Street, and the children have to cross the railroad tracks in order to get on the bus. Duane Allen said this is a safety issue for the three children residing in this area. The board agreed contact needs to be made with Warsaw Community Schools' director of transportation and the superintendent to rectify the problem.

Janet Warren thanked the town for their hard work in making a "Day of Caring" a success. Four homes in Claypool were involved in the project. Warren said 85 students and volunteer helpers were fed after they worked all day helping to improve the four homes. [[In-content Ad]]