Syracuse Works Toward Purchasing Old Train Depot
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By John DeGroff-
"We have a new contact, Adama Harris with CSX," Baumgartner said. "She is in the real estate business for CSX, but they're not looking to move any real estate at this time. When I told her we don't want the land, just the building, that was kind of a catch for her. She said she'll know more in two weeks."[[In-content Ad]]Baumgartner went on to say that donations totaling $1,235 have been received toward the train depot project. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers also have offered their support in acquiring the depot.
Baumgartner then introduced Todd Zeiger of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana to the council.
"The Historic Landmarks Foundation is a not-for-profit advocacy organization," Zeiger said. "We work with a variety of folks, working to save historic landmarks. We work with private individuals, towns, communities and other not-for-profits.
"One of the tools that we use is called the Indiana Preservation Grant fund. Over the last several months, I've been working with the committee here in town, and tonight I'd like to present a check to them and the town for $2,500. This is to help with the match for the community planning fund grant. I know that you've all talked about this, and the need is to have a local match for that grant. Getting the grant process moving forward is the first step in any project, whether it's historic or otherwise."
There are plans to develop a documentary on the depot project in conjunction with students from Ball State University. The finished film can be used for promotion and public service announcements, and as a fundraising tool. Some filming at the depot site has already taken place, and the finished project will be available by the end of April or early May.
The council was then updated on the water project.
The plant has been running during daytime hours in order to integrate new equipment and formulate operational settings for automated operation. There has been a problem with three high-service pumps producing too much flow. These pumps are producing roughly 1,100 gallons per minute, but should only produce 800. The solution that was offered to remedy the problem was to remove one of four impellers in each pump. If this is done by a service technician from the pump manufacturer, the warranty will still be valid. Cost for this work is $7,500. The council approved this expense.
Also in regard to the water project, the council discussed substantial completion payments to the contractors involved.
Thieneman Construction of Crown Point is the contractor for the plant work. The water tower is being built by Caldwell of Louisville, Ky. Both projects are months ahead of schedule, and the payments in question represent funds that are part of the contracted price, but need approval to be released for work yet to be completed. The council approved $120,000 for Thieneman Construction and $42,000 for Caldwell.
Town Manager Henry DeJulia spoke to the council regarding the plans for the Wawasee High School transportation building on Kern Road. The plan submitted outlines roadway and waterline work that must be done to accommodate the facility. Since the project is within town limits, the council will have to approve any road construction and utility work. This review process is ongoing, involving both council and DeJulia.
DeJulia also talked about the need for tree removal in the Forest Park Addition. Because of their size and location, certain trees impede larger service vehicles such as ambulances and garbage trucks. Cost for removal is $1,925, and was approved by the council.
Town Marshall Tony Ciriello updated the council regarding the new phone system. This ties the Syracuse Police Department directly to Kosciusko County dispatch, which eliminates long-distance fees when calling the county.
For the past several months, the council has been reviewing the police department's standard operating procedures. Ciriello asked that Section 9.1, regarding officers taking home department vehicles, and section 26.4, number 3A, stating that an unmarked police car may not initiate a pursuit, be removed from the SOP. According to Ciriello, regarding the pursuit clause, that is something that hopefully never happens, but if it's the only option during an emergency, it should be available. The council approved the SOPs for the department with the recommended changes.
The council approved an emergency ordinance "providing for the transfer of appropriations for the CCI-Cigarette tax and Rainy Day Funds" of the town for 2008. This transfers $17,000 from Capital Improvements to the Commercial/Retail Facade Improvement Fund; and $15,000 from Emergency Housing Rehab to Emergency Housing Revolving Loan Fund.
The Syracuse Parks Department reported the new pavilion at Crosson Mill Park will be built by Milestone Construction. Work is expected to be completed well before the summer season.
Arbor Day is scheduled to be celebrated at Syracuse Elementary April 25 from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
In other business:
n The council approved the payment of claims for March in the amount of $321,442.13.
n Council members Cassie Cowan and Brian Woody were appointed to serve as council representatives on the Fire Territory Board.
Syracuse Town Council members are Larry Siegel, Woody, Paul Stoelting, Bill Musser and Cowan.
"We have a new contact, Adama Harris with CSX," Baumgartner said. "She is in the real estate business for CSX, but they're not looking to move any real estate at this time. When I told her we don't want the land, just the building, that was kind of a catch for her. She said she'll know more in two weeks."[[In-content Ad]]Baumgartner went on to say that donations totaling $1,235 have been received toward the train depot project. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers also have offered their support in acquiring the depot.
Baumgartner then introduced Todd Zeiger of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana to the council.
"The Historic Landmarks Foundation is a not-for-profit advocacy organization," Zeiger said. "We work with a variety of folks, working to save historic landmarks. We work with private individuals, towns, communities and other not-for-profits.
"One of the tools that we use is called the Indiana Preservation Grant fund. Over the last several months, I've been working with the committee here in town, and tonight I'd like to present a check to them and the town for $2,500. This is to help with the match for the community planning fund grant. I know that you've all talked about this, and the need is to have a local match for that grant. Getting the grant process moving forward is the first step in any project, whether it's historic or otherwise."
There are plans to develop a documentary on the depot project in conjunction with students from Ball State University. The finished film can be used for promotion and public service announcements, and as a fundraising tool. Some filming at the depot site has already taken place, and the finished project will be available by the end of April or early May.
The council was then updated on the water project.
The plant has been running during daytime hours in order to integrate new equipment and formulate operational settings for automated operation. There has been a problem with three high-service pumps producing too much flow. These pumps are producing roughly 1,100 gallons per minute, but should only produce 800. The solution that was offered to remedy the problem was to remove one of four impellers in each pump. If this is done by a service technician from the pump manufacturer, the warranty will still be valid. Cost for this work is $7,500. The council approved this expense.
Also in regard to the water project, the council discussed substantial completion payments to the contractors involved.
Thieneman Construction of Crown Point is the contractor for the plant work. The water tower is being built by Caldwell of Louisville, Ky. Both projects are months ahead of schedule, and the payments in question represent funds that are part of the contracted price, but need approval to be released for work yet to be completed. The council approved $120,000 for Thieneman Construction and $42,000 for Caldwell.
Town Manager Henry DeJulia spoke to the council regarding the plans for the Wawasee High School transportation building on Kern Road. The plan submitted outlines roadway and waterline work that must be done to accommodate the facility. Since the project is within town limits, the council will have to approve any road construction and utility work. This review process is ongoing, involving both council and DeJulia.
DeJulia also talked about the need for tree removal in the Forest Park Addition. Because of their size and location, certain trees impede larger service vehicles such as ambulances and garbage trucks. Cost for removal is $1,925, and was approved by the council.
Town Marshall Tony Ciriello updated the council regarding the new phone system. This ties the Syracuse Police Department directly to Kosciusko County dispatch, which eliminates long-distance fees when calling the county.
For the past several months, the council has been reviewing the police department's standard operating procedures. Ciriello asked that Section 9.1, regarding officers taking home department vehicles, and section 26.4, number 3A, stating that an unmarked police car may not initiate a pursuit, be removed from the SOP. According to Ciriello, regarding the pursuit clause, that is something that hopefully never happens, but if it's the only option during an emergency, it should be available. The council approved the SOPs for the department with the recommended changes.
The council approved an emergency ordinance "providing for the transfer of appropriations for the CCI-Cigarette tax and Rainy Day Funds" of the town for 2008. This transfers $17,000 from Capital Improvements to the Commercial/Retail Facade Improvement Fund; and $15,000 from Emergency Housing Rehab to Emergency Housing Revolving Loan Fund.
The Syracuse Parks Department reported the new pavilion at Crosson Mill Park will be built by Milestone Construction. Work is expected to be completed well before the summer season.
Arbor Day is scheduled to be celebrated at Syracuse Elementary April 25 from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
In other business:
n The council approved the payment of claims for March in the amount of $321,442.13.
n Council members Cassie Cowan and Brian Woody were appointed to serve as council representatives on the Fire Territory Board.
Syracuse Town Council members are Larry Siegel, Woody, Paul Stoelting, Bill Musser and Cowan.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092