CLAYPOOL - The Indiana Department of Transportation will meet at the Lions Club in Claypool today at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the changes in Ind. 15 at the overhead due to the potential increased traffic with the Louis Dreyfus biodiesel fuel plant.

The annexation project is still in the drafting stages. The annexation would increase the town limits from CR 700E to the creek, CR 200W north to the creek, CR 200W south to the railroad, and CR 700W to Ind. 15.

Board President Don Miller said he was not in favor of the annexation as it currently is proposed. The residents of Claypool affected by the project voiced concerns about the potential restrictions within the town limits regarding how their property can be used once annexed in.

"There is a concern for some that if they are using their land for agriculture, will they still be permitted to do so after the annexation?" asked Miller. The board decided they will look into ordinances and grandfather clauses as a possible means of maintaining current usage, and discuss it further at the next meeting.

Bob Murphy, of R.P. Murphy and Associates, was present to discuss the storm sewer drainage project, as well as the plans for repairing the water tower and water system upgrades. The storm sewer drainage plan has been in the planning stages for more than a year. Murphy told the board there is a one-time-only grant available, which is a maximum of $500,000. The state requires that in order to qualify for the grant, the town must contribute a 10 percent match. In the case of Claypool, the amount is approximately $67,000.

The plan is broken down into several phases, with the mains being the first on the list. Murphy proposed a public hearing be held at the next meeting for the town's residents to attend. Part of the plan is to install the storm drains, as well as installing gutter curbs and sidewalks.

The water tower repair project also falls into a grant category, Economic Development Grant, which is directly related to the jobs provided by Louis Dreyfus Corp. Since Louis Dreyfus plans to provide 80 jobs, the state will contribute $5,000 towards the grant per job, totaling $400,000. One stipulation for qualification is that 42 of the 80 jobs created must be considered low to moderate income. The grant should completely cover grant administration costs, engineering costs, and the water tower project, leaving no money coming directly from the town. Town Clerk Niki Miller was asked to continue with the next step in the process by requesting proposals and quotes.

The town is nearing completion of the implementation of their own wastewater testing lab, and already received their testing supplies. Danny Warner is certified in the testing process and will be testing the wastewater in house once the lab is complete.

The current wastewater operator, Dallas Winchester, will continue through May and June. The board approved Winchester's fee increase from $350 to $500 for the remainder of his services. The increase is due to the requirements of more frequent testing while in the permitting stage. The town was required to increase e. coli and ammonia testing to weekly. Miller said the term of permit is five years, at which time, if all levels are adequately maintained, this would lessen the frequency of testing.

The board approved a water rate increase study to be conducted by Umbaugh and Associates. Water rates haven't increased in the last 13-14 years. Participating in an increase requires a study showing why the increase is necessary.

Niki Miller conducted an informal survey of the town asking if they preferred changing from NIPSCO to REMC. Ninety-six percent of the people indicated they would prefer REMC. The board approved that the town request a release of service from NIPSCO. The people voiced the biggest complaint with NIPSCO is their slow response time in the event of a power outage. They feel that the proximity of REMC would allow quicker restoration of power if an outage occurs.

The board approved the proposal for adopting a peddlers/vendor ordinance. Last week there were some issues with several individuals that presented themselves as magazine sales people. The new ordinance would require anyone coming into Claypool to sell anything would have to present the clerk with a retail merchant certificate, and obtain a vendor permit. Permit cost is $10 per person, per day.

The board approved the purchase of a new tractor/mower. Cost of the new equipment is $12,997. Superintendent Gene Warner said having a new mower would eliminate time lost as the town currently has only one mower, which is in constant use with several tasks. Monies will come from the cemetery fund.

An increase in mowing rates for abandoned and vacant property also was implemented. The new rate is $100 for the first hour and $1 per minute after that, this in addition to the possible $100 fine imposed.

Max Anglin offered the property that he owns, which is commonly described as vacated Maple Street. The tract is adjacent to a tract owned by the town at the northeast corner of Lindsay and Section streets. Anglin has no use for the property, which he continues to receive tax bills on. The board declined the offer.

The fire department requested permission to use the town burn pile for training purposes. The board approved. [[In-content Ad]]