PIERCETON - Cleanup could begin on the Perry property in town, according to Tim Kelty of R.P. Murphy and Associates, Larwill, because a pending Department of Commerce grant is a pretty sure thing.

Even if the grant were not practically guaranteed, removal of the hundreds of bricks which made up the building at the corner of First and Market streets and underground tanks could still proceed because the town has secured state brownfield funds for the project.

Known as the Perry property, owned by Jim Perry of Whitley County, a building where a gas station once operated and where buried tanks are still in the ground, collapsed into a pile of rubble July 2, 1997.

Contamination has been described as "moderate."

"We can seize the property by the end of the month and begin clean-up and removal," Kelty said. "Construction bids (for a planned senior activities center and municipal garage) can be advertised in March."

Kelty said an appraisal of the property needs to be done, at the cost of about $800; and documents recognizing the existence of the building need to be filed through the Department of Natural Resources' Historical Preservation Office at a cost of about $3,250. The consultant said the $3,000 for the proof of documentation was a bit expensive and Murphy's would seek another estimate.

When asked whether or not a historical society could do the research on the existence of the building, Kelty said a specially trained architect would be required to examine documents.

Town counsel Jim Walmer outlined the advantages and disadvantages of the Economic Development Income Tax. A letter from county auditor Charlene Knispel indicates Pierceton has 1.58 percent of the county's population and would receive $60,000 per year if the tax were enacted.

A public hearing was set for Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m. after discussion, with Jerry Kreger and Terry Hill voting for the public hearing and Ron Hall casting the nay vote.

Hall asked that the switches connected to the warning siren on the fire station roof be repaired so the mechanism can be sounded from downstairs.

Town marshal George Alexander received permission to buy a 110-watt squad car radio to replace an old model at a cost of $2,219.

The officer reminded the board eight more trains would come through town daily and railroad employees have posted increase in traffic signs at the crossings.

Kreger informed the other two members of his meeting last Thursday with Catharine Walker of Housing Opportunities of Warsaw. He said a final draft of a grant application to Kosciusko Community Foundation will be available at the March 8 meeting, with public hearings in March also.

The town and HOW are requesting a $20,000 grant from KCH to have 10 percent in-kind funds earmarked to secure a $200,000 low-interest loan from the Indiana Housing Financing Authority to provide rehabilitations monies for owner-occupied residences.

HOW is a not for profit sister agency of Warsaw Housing Authority and can offer housing rehabilitation programs throughout the county. [[In-content Ad]]