Shuter New Fire Chief At Winona

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer-

WINONA LAKE - Kip Shuter has been named Winona Lake fire department chief, replacing the retired Roger Gelbaugh.

Nominated by the department's advisory board, the town council confirmed his appointment this morning at their second meeting of the month.

Shuter, Mike Cox and Ed Brown serve as assistant chiefs. Another assistant will be named to replace Shuter.

With some creative budgetary manipulations, the fire department will purchase a ladder truck this year, according to town coordinator Craig Allebach.

Allebach said the financial future of the department projects a $130,000 deficit within 10 years. Instead of purchasing a fire truck in 2005 and a pumper in 2001, the department will refurbish these vehicles and realize a $160,000 savings, which also allows for the purchase of the ladder truck and its equipment.

There will still be a deficit - of $1,000.

A resolution to establish a brownfield committee was approved with Allebach, Tom Dunn of Grace College and councilmen Craig Snow and David Delp named as members.

Because the Smith Trailer Park property is under mandate to remove trailers by July 1, the council approved a group disconnect fee of $35.

The property has been zoned commercial and no residential units are to occupy the land.

Instead of the $35-per-unit cost, the fee will be imposed when a number of pipes are sealed and inspected during one visit.

Allebach said Smith should be able to have each trailer removed by July 1.

Town marshal Malcolm Gilbert recommended the reduced fee be charged only if the trailers are indeed removed on schedule.

"Winona happenings" were given as: Reneker Dinner in Westminster Hall at 6:30 p.m. today; a fund-raiser for the fire department at Hacienda Restaurant Friday; Jeff VanHouten, Artisan Court, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday; and the Art Fair, Artisan Court, June 2-3.

Allebach reported the CR 250E road project has been set back one year; the College Avenue street work is on schedule with paving this on the surface this week; and the repeater has been received by the fire department, and the radio will be programmed to its frequency.

July Fourth activities will take place June 30 in the park. Kids' games are scheduled on July 4.

Councilman Jerry Clevenger said a resident along College Avenue asked about a street light at an intersection (four were removed and six were installed); whether or not parking stripes would be painted on the street; and sidewalk repair.

Allebach said he would check on the striping for parking spaces and that sidewalks are the responsibility of the property owner.

Council members are Jeff Carroll, David Delp, Rolly Ortega, Craig Snow and Jerry Clevenger.

The council meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month and at 7 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. [[In-content Ad]]

WINONA LAKE - Kip Shuter has been named Winona Lake fire department chief, replacing the retired Roger Gelbaugh.

Nominated by the department's advisory board, the town council confirmed his appointment this morning at their second meeting of the month.

Shuter, Mike Cox and Ed Brown serve as assistant chiefs. Another assistant will be named to replace Shuter.

With some creative budgetary manipulations, the fire department will purchase a ladder truck this year, according to town coordinator Craig Allebach.

Allebach said the financial future of the department projects a $130,000 deficit within 10 years. Instead of purchasing a fire truck in 2005 and a pumper in 2001, the department will refurbish these vehicles and realize a $160,000 savings, which also allows for the purchase of the ladder truck and its equipment.

There will still be a deficit - of $1,000.

A resolution to establish a brownfield committee was approved with Allebach, Tom Dunn of Grace College and councilmen Craig Snow and David Delp named as members.

Because the Smith Trailer Park property is under mandate to remove trailers by July 1, the council approved a group disconnect fee of $35.

The property has been zoned commercial and no residential units are to occupy the land.

Instead of the $35-per-unit cost, the fee will be imposed when a number of pipes are sealed and inspected during one visit.

Allebach said Smith should be able to have each trailer removed by July 1.

Town marshal Malcolm Gilbert recommended the reduced fee be charged only if the trailers are indeed removed on schedule.

"Winona happenings" were given as: Reneker Dinner in Westminster Hall at 6:30 p.m. today; a fund-raiser for the fire department at Hacienda Restaurant Friday; Jeff VanHouten, Artisan Court, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday; and the Art Fair, Artisan Court, June 2-3.

Allebach reported the CR 250E road project has been set back one year; the College Avenue street work is on schedule with paving this on the surface this week; and the repeater has been received by the fire department, and the radio will be programmed to its frequency.

July Fourth activities will take place June 30 in the park. Kids' games are scheduled on July 4.

Councilman Jerry Clevenger said a resident along College Avenue asked about a street light at an intersection (four were removed and six were installed); whether or not parking stripes would be painted on the street; and sidewalk repair.

Allebach said he would check on the striping for parking spaces and that sidewalks are the responsibility of the property owner.

Council members are Jeff Carroll, David Delp, Rolly Ortega, Craig Snow and Jerry Clevenger.

The council meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month and at 7 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. [[In-content Ad]]

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