Simpson Resigns Council Seat; Cites Personal Reasons
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By David [email protected]
"We sure do appreciate what you've done, Jack," Tim Croy, council president, said.
Simpson's resignation is effective Dec. 31. A caucus to replace Simpson has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 3 in the town hall.
His letter stated, "I have really enjoyed my time on the council and would like to thank Tim Croy, Jill Gross and Barb Ross and the town employees. You have been a pleasure to work with. I feel like we have accomplished a lot in the years I have served.
"I also want to thank those who voted for me and the people who have always encouraged me since I have been on the council.
"My best wishes go to all of you and the one who takes over my position."
Ed Rock, Harrison Township precinct committeeman, explained the next steps to replace Simpson on the council.
He said a copy of Simpson's resignation needs to be taken to the clerk's office. A caucus will be set and advertised at a future date. During the caucus, a new councilman will be chosen by Rock, the Franklin Township precinct committeeman and Kosciusko County Republican Party Chairman Randy Girod.
To be a candidate for the council seat, Rock said, a person has to be a registered Republican who has lived in the town for at least the last six months.
"Does he have to be white?" Simpson joked.
Candidates can pick up a declaration of candidacy forms at the county clerk's office. They must be submitted to Girod at least 72 hours in advance of the caucus.
Clerk-Treasurer Barb Ross requested the council approve for several water customers' bills to be written off for delinquency. All the bills amounted to $1,325.
Ross said she is still trying to collect the bills owed, but she wants to clear them off the computer.
Simpson asked if the bills would be run through a collection agency. Croy said they will, but Ross has to write them off first.
Then Simpson asked if the water at the residences where bills are owed have been shut off. Ross said all new people are living there now, and some of the houses have been sold. She can't hold the new residences responsible for the old residences' bills.
Gross said the town should be glad it's only $1,000 that is delinquent.
"It's the least amount we've ever had," said Ross.
Ross also reported the town got its 1782 notice from the state notifying how much it must cut from its 2011 budget.
Ross said they must reduce the general fund by $2,521 and the motor vehicle highway fund by $3.
The council agreed to take the $2,521 out of the sidewalk fund.
In other business, the council:
n Reviewed a proposal from Veolia for the town's garbage pick up. The town's current contract with another provider expires at the end of the year.
n Heard an update from James Emmans, Emmans Engineering, on the stormwater project. Emmans said the project is progressing as planned and there are no surprises.
n Approved the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for Kosciusko County as presented by Emergency Management Director Ed Rock.
n Heard from Utilities Superintendent Eric Carlin that there will be a couple of change orders in January for the wastewater treatment plant project.
The council approved a pay voucher for the wastewater treatment plant project for $246,905.
n Gave Ross permission to transfer funds for the end of the year as needed.
n Approved to encumber funds from the Economic Development Income Tax fund for the stormwater project and improvements to the pump house.
n Approved to renew the town's Sam's Club membership for $210.
n Heard a complaint from Amy Dickerhoff regarding Town Marshal Jim Eads. Councilwoman Jill Gross said the council will have a meeting regarding personnel about it.[[In-content Ad]]
"We sure do appreciate what you've done, Jack," Tim Croy, council president, said.
Simpson's resignation is effective Dec. 31. A caucus to replace Simpson has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 3 in the town hall.
His letter stated, "I have really enjoyed my time on the council and would like to thank Tim Croy, Jill Gross and Barb Ross and the town employees. You have been a pleasure to work with. I feel like we have accomplished a lot in the years I have served.
"I also want to thank those who voted for me and the people who have always encouraged me since I have been on the council.
"My best wishes go to all of you and the one who takes over my position."
Ed Rock, Harrison Township precinct committeeman, explained the next steps to replace Simpson on the council.
He said a copy of Simpson's resignation needs to be taken to the clerk's office. A caucus will be set and advertised at a future date. During the caucus, a new councilman will be chosen by Rock, the Franklin Township precinct committeeman and Kosciusko County Republican Party Chairman Randy Girod.
To be a candidate for the council seat, Rock said, a person has to be a registered Republican who has lived in the town for at least the last six months.
"Does he have to be white?" Simpson joked.
Candidates can pick up a declaration of candidacy forms at the county clerk's office. They must be submitted to Girod at least 72 hours in advance of the caucus.
Clerk-Treasurer Barb Ross requested the council approve for several water customers' bills to be written off for delinquency. All the bills amounted to $1,325.
Ross said she is still trying to collect the bills owed, but she wants to clear them off the computer.
Simpson asked if the bills would be run through a collection agency. Croy said they will, but Ross has to write them off first.
Then Simpson asked if the water at the residences where bills are owed have been shut off. Ross said all new people are living there now, and some of the houses have been sold. She can't hold the new residences responsible for the old residences' bills.
Gross said the town should be glad it's only $1,000 that is delinquent.
"It's the least amount we've ever had," said Ross.
Ross also reported the town got its 1782 notice from the state notifying how much it must cut from its 2011 budget.
Ross said they must reduce the general fund by $2,521 and the motor vehicle highway fund by $3.
The council agreed to take the $2,521 out of the sidewalk fund.
In other business, the council:
n Reviewed a proposal from Veolia for the town's garbage pick up. The town's current contract with another provider expires at the end of the year.
n Heard an update from James Emmans, Emmans Engineering, on the stormwater project. Emmans said the project is progressing as planned and there are no surprises.
n Approved the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for Kosciusko County as presented by Emergency Management Director Ed Rock.
n Heard from Utilities Superintendent Eric Carlin that there will be a couple of change orders in January for the wastewater treatment plant project.
The council approved a pay voucher for the wastewater treatment plant project for $246,905.
n Gave Ross permission to transfer funds for the end of the year as needed.
n Approved to encumber funds from the Economic Development Income Tax fund for the stormwater project and improvements to the pump house.
n Approved to renew the town's Sam's Club membership for $210.
n Heard a complaint from Amy Dickerhoff regarding Town Marshal Jim Eads. Councilwoman Jill Gross said the council will have a meeting regarding personnel about it.[[In-content Ad]]
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