Syracuse Hears Report On Water Improvements
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
SYRACUSE - Several items regarding Syracuse's water system improvements were discussed Tuesday at the town council meeting.
John Julien, H.J. Umbaugh & Associates, Plymouth, presented the financial information for the improvements. He provided projected costs and various rate increases depending on funding options. Regardless of funding options the town council chooses, Julien said, the rates will go up significantly.
In order to apply for some of the funding options, the town needs to submit a preliminary engineering study. The town council approved Greeley & Hansen to do the study at a cost not to exceed $6,000.
Clint Houseworth, public works superintendent, asked council members if they wanted Greeley & Hansen to proceed with the design engineering for the improvements. Greeley & Hansen's estimate cost for designing the improvements if they do the work is $1,419,000. However, town manager Brian Redshaw said the town should get competitive bids and not just accept Greeley & Hansen's bid. The town council agreed, though the company's bid will be considered.
In other business, the town council:
• Approved the ordinance to increase the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District tax levy to $0.0035. The increase will be approximately $1 per person per year in the county. Sue Studebaker, district director, told the council all the towns so far have approved the levy increase.
• Approved Redshaw's proposal for Oakwood's adjusted billing for sewer. Due to a problem with meters, Oakwood had incorrect readings and for two months, Oakwood received spiked billing.
• Approved an ordinance regarding weed and rank vegetation in Syracuse. Weeds can be no taller than 9 inches. Any plant in a garden or plant bed is exempt.
• Heard that residents north of the railroad tracks will have Spring clean-up items picked up May 12-14. Residents south of the tracks will have items picked up May 15-16. Residents north of the tracks must have items out by 6 a.m. May 12 and residents south of the tracks must have items out by 6 a.m. May 15.
• Approved an ordinance to allow advertising on the town's Web site for $40 per year. The Web site is www.syracusein.org
• Approved an Arbor Day proclamation. Syracuse will celebrate Arbor Day and there will be a special presentation at Syracuse Elementary School with approximately 88 third graders participating.
• Approved for Revolving Closet, North Huntington Street, to set out a sandwich sign in front of their business during business hours only.
• Heard the clerk-treasurer's office is issuing requests for proposals for the town's checking account. The town is looking to get better interest rates with the money they have in deposit and to find lower fees.
Members of the Syracuse Town Council are Barb Carwile, Paul Stoelting, Carol Koble, Bill Hane and Larry Siegel. They meet at 7 p.m. in the town hall on the third Tuesday of every month. [[In-content Ad]]
SYRACUSE - Several items regarding Syracuse's water system improvements were discussed Tuesday at the town council meeting.
John Julien, H.J. Umbaugh & Associates, Plymouth, presented the financial information for the improvements. He provided projected costs and various rate increases depending on funding options. Regardless of funding options the town council chooses, Julien said, the rates will go up significantly.
In order to apply for some of the funding options, the town needs to submit a preliminary engineering study. The town council approved Greeley & Hansen to do the study at a cost not to exceed $6,000.
Clint Houseworth, public works superintendent, asked council members if they wanted Greeley & Hansen to proceed with the design engineering for the improvements. Greeley & Hansen's estimate cost for designing the improvements if they do the work is $1,419,000. However, town manager Brian Redshaw said the town should get competitive bids and not just accept Greeley & Hansen's bid. The town council agreed, though the company's bid will be considered.
In other business, the town council:
• Approved the ordinance to increase the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District tax levy to $0.0035. The increase will be approximately $1 per person per year in the county. Sue Studebaker, district director, told the council all the towns so far have approved the levy increase.
• Approved Redshaw's proposal for Oakwood's adjusted billing for sewer. Due to a problem with meters, Oakwood had incorrect readings and for two months, Oakwood received spiked billing.
• Approved an ordinance regarding weed and rank vegetation in Syracuse. Weeds can be no taller than 9 inches. Any plant in a garden or plant bed is exempt.
• Heard that residents north of the railroad tracks will have Spring clean-up items picked up May 12-14. Residents south of the tracks will have items picked up May 15-16. Residents north of the tracks must have items out by 6 a.m. May 12 and residents south of the tracks must have items out by 6 a.m. May 15.
• Approved an ordinance to allow advertising on the town's Web site for $40 per year. The Web site is www.syracusein.org
• Approved an Arbor Day proclamation. Syracuse will celebrate Arbor Day and there will be a special presentation at Syracuse Elementary School with approximately 88 third graders participating.
• Approved for Revolving Closet, North Huntington Street, to set out a sandwich sign in front of their business during business hours only.
• Heard the clerk-treasurer's office is issuing requests for proposals for the town's checking account. The town is looking to get better interest rates with the money they have in deposit and to find lower fees.
Members of the Syracuse Town Council are Barb Carwile, Paul Stoelting, Carol Koble, Bill Hane and Larry Siegel. They meet at 7 p.m. in the town hall on the third Tuesday of every month. [[In-content Ad]]