LEESBURG - Obtaining the necessary easements from property owners for grinder pump locations topped the list of concerns when the Leesburg Town Board met Monday.

Town board member Rick Stookey said, "It's becoming critical that the easements be signed, notarized and returned to the town board as soon as possible. The longer it takes us to get the easements, the more it'll cost for the sewer project and the property owners."

Each property must have access to a grinder pump, and the current layout was planned to locate the pumps where it's physically feasible as well as most convenient and least expensive for the property owners to connect into the new sewer system. If easements are not provided to the town, the pumps may have to be located on public right of way, which may increase the distance and expense of the homeowner's portion of the sewer connection. Because the sewer project is not optional, property owners will receive a regular monthly billing for the service whether it's connected or not.

In other business, the starting time for meetings was changed to 6:30 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m. It also was determined that, as the sewer project progresses, to avoid delays addressing critical timeline issues, a second meeting will be needed at times to discuss only sewer issues. The regular monthly meeting will continue the second Monday of each month and will include all general town business and sewer discussion. As needed, the second meeting will be scheduled the fourth Monday of the month to address sewer issues only. The new schedule will start in October, with the regular meeting Oct. 9 and the sewer-only meeting Oct. 23. Both meetings will be at 6:30 p.m.

Joe Tierney, GRW Engineers, provided an update on sewer project activities, which are progressing on target. A permit will be needed to cross the railroad. Plans are basically done, which will involve filing a request costing $1,830, be reviewed by railroad representatives, resulting in the license being issued. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management permit will be coordinated with Warsaw. Tierney stressed the need to be ready to submit key components as the project progresses.

Vern Landis, town attorney, reported two signed easements have been received for property along Ind. 15 for the connecting line to Warsaw. Landis met with Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins and other city and county officials to address those outside Leesburg or north of Warsaw who may want to connect to the new sewer lines along Ind. 15. Allocation issues will be addressed and Warsaw and county representatives will look at options for recouping their costs.

The board passed a resolution to pursue short-term bond anticipation warrants with the bond council.

In other business, the condition of one of the town's dump trunks is such that it's becoming impossible to repair. The possibility of obtaining a new truck will be pursued. It was agreed to sell a Ford tractor and replace it with a Bobcat

The next meeting will be Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Representing Leesburg were board members Ryan Robinson, Stookey and Jay Weaver; Landis; Melissa Robinson, clerk/treasurer; and Ed Riordan, street commissioner. [[In-content Ad]]