Syracuse Council Takes Look At Harrison Street Property
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
SYRACUSE - The problem with trash, refuse and scraps of building material on the property at 1004 N. Harrison St. took most of the town council's meeting time Monday, with lengthy discussion about whether or not a problem exists.
Jose Olivares, whose spouse Nancy is the owner of the property, stated repeatedly that he didn't see where most of these things present a problem.
He said he plans to use building materials stored at the site and there are no longer any tires on the site. In addition, he refuted claims that someone has been living in a trailer on the back of the property, hooked into a septic tank, which is illegal, with water provided by a garden hose.
The property is a duplex apartment with one unit filled and one under repair. After much discussion it was determined that Hal Honsborough and Dee Kotterman will meet Oliveras at the property in question at 9 a.m. Wednesday and determine items that must be moved.
As this has dragged on for several months, the council decided it was not inclined to let Oliveras continue at the present slow pace.
He will have 15 working days to complete the cleanup or the town will clean it up and charge Oliveras for the work.
Kip Schumm, speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, asked the council to help pay for the new Christmas decorations to be used in the village area and the refurbishing of the present decorations.
The total cost will be around $10,000, and in the past the council has helped with the expenses. This will bring the total decorations to 60. With more than $2,000 already being received from the public, another $8,000 will need to be raised.
The bid from Reith and Riley was accepted for street resurfacing, and since they have only $71,000 to spend, two sections will not be resurfaced this year. Other areas may have to be dropped if the budget does not allow them to be done.
As part of the planning for future growth, the storm sewer project has been increased to include 20 new storm drains. The council will now seek bids on the project as it has been planned.
Indiana will contract with the town to again keep Ind. 13 swept. The state determines what they will pay, which doesn't cover the cost as the state requires the street to be swept two times a year and the town now sweeps it four times a year.
A used 2001 Police Interceptor cruiser will be purchased at a cost of $6,500, with $5,026 coming from the insurance check for the 1997 vehicle that burned up and the balance from the continuing education fund. The replacement vehicle has only 68,000 miles on it and is in good condition.
A resolution to allow the council to accept sealed bids in a reverse auction process was passed and bids will be taken on a front-end loader.
A resolution adopting the Deferred Compensation Plan was made, with the specification that the plan is exactly the same as has been in use for the past 15 years, with no changes.
The clerk read a thank-you letter to the board from Lakeland Day Care.
She also said that since Friday is town manager Brian Redshaw's last day, there will be cake and coffee in the boardroom from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Anyone who wishes to express their farewell to Redshaw is invited to attend. The council thanked Redshaw for his service.
Redshaw made two recommendations to the council.
One is to pass an ordinance that requires a permit for a parade. The second was to pass an ordinance requiring not-for-profit groups to require a waiver to raise funds by selling goods and services.
This is in reference to the transient merchants ordinance. The council took Redshaw's recommendations under advisement.
EMS Director Mickey Scott asked that EMS volunteers be paid $50 for each 12-hour shift. This will be paid out of the increased revenue from ambulance runs. Town attorney Mike Reed will draft a salary ordinance to present at the next meeting. It will take effect Oct.1.
The new fire station has been approved and will provide emergency services on both sides of the railroad. The Fireman's Festival was a success. There were 21 fire runs and 109 EMS runs in July.
Speed bumps are still being considered for Long Drive in front of the Community Center. [[In-content Ad]]
SYRACUSE - The problem with trash, refuse and scraps of building material on the property at 1004 N. Harrison St. took most of the town council's meeting time Monday, with lengthy discussion about whether or not a problem exists.
Jose Olivares, whose spouse Nancy is the owner of the property, stated repeatedly that he didn't see where most of these things present a problem.
He said he plans to use building materials stored at the site and there are no longer any tires on the site. In addition, he refuted claims that someone has been living in a trailer on the back of the property, hooked into a septic tank, which is illegal, with water provided by a garden hose.
The property is a duplex apartment with one unit filled and one under repair. After much discussion it was determined that Hal Honsborough and Dee Kotterman will meet Oliveras at the property in question at 9 a.m. Wednesday and determine items that must be moved.
As this has dragged on for several months, the council decided it was not inclined to let Oliveras continue at the present slow pace.
He will have 15 working days to complete the cleanup or the town will clean it up and charge Oliveras for the work.
Kip Schumm, speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, asked the council to help pay for the new Christmas decorations to be used in the village area and the refurbishing of the present decorations.
The total cost will be around $10,000, and in the past the council has helped with the expenses. This will bring the total decorations to 60. With more than $2,000 already being received from the public, another $8,000 will need to be raised.
The bid from Reith and Riley was accepted for street resurfacing, and since they have only $71,000 to spend, two sections will not be resurfaced this year. Other areas may have to be dropped if the budget does not allow them to be done.
As part of the planning for future growth, the storm sewer project has been increased to include 20 new storm drains. The council will now seek bids on the project as it has been planned.
Indiana will contract with the town to again keep Ind. 13 swept. The state determines what they will pay, which doesn't cover the cost as the state requires the street to be swept two times a year and the town now sweeps it four times a year.
A used 2001 Police Interceptor cruiser will be purchased at a cost of $6,500, with $5,026 coming from the insurance check for the 1997 vehicle that burned up and the balance from the continuing education fund. The replacement vehicle has only 68,000 miles on it and is in good condition.
A resolution to allow the council to accept sealed bids in a reverse auction process was passed and bids will be taken on a front-end loader.
A resolution adopting the Deferred Compensation Plan was made, with the specification that the plan is exactly the same as has been in use for the past 15 years, with no changes.
The clerk read a thank-you letter to the board from Lakeland Day Care.
She also said that since Friday is town manager Brian Redshaw's last day, there will be cake and coffee in the boardroom from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Anyone who wishes to express their farewell to Redshaw is invited to attend. The council thanked Redshaw for his service.
Redshaw made two recommendations to the council.
One is to pass an ordinance that requires a permit for a parade. The second was to pass an ordinance requiring not-for-profit groups to require a waiver to raise funds by selling goods and services.
This is in reference to the transient merchants ordinance. The council took Redshaw's recommendations under advisement.
EMS Director Mickey Scott asked that EMS volunteers be paid $50 for each 12-hour shift. This will be paid out of the increased revenue from ambulance runs. Town attorney Mike Reed will draft a salary ordinance to present at the next meeting. It will take effect Oct.1.
The new fire station has been approved and will provide emergency services on both sides of the railroad. The Fireman's Festival was a success. There were 21 fire runs and 109 EMS runs in July.
Speed bumps are still being considered for Long Drive in front of the Community Center. [[In-content Ad]]