WINONA LAKE - Street department personnel have been painting curbs yellow on the island to reinforce no-parking areas.

Resident and Winona Restoration manager Brent Wilcoxson questioned this practice this morning, asking the town council if there was a particular plan for painting and if the plan could be shared. He also wondered about the cost justification and where painting curbs yellow fits on the town's priority list.

"There have been about two illegal parking occurrences per year. There are weeds growing in gutters, catch basins that need cleaned out and streets to be swept to keep the catch basins clear," Wilcoxson said. "You know we don't have problems with parking."

Public works superintendent Pete O'Connell said everything on the island, 10 feet from the center of curves, at intersections and at alleys has been painted because there are problems on the island streets. He said fire trucks couldn't get through if vehicles were parked along the island curves.

Councilman Rolly Ortega said the yellow marking is an extra safety measure and reinforcement of the no-parking zones.

Wilcoxson asked if there would be a reduction in enforcement personnel or on the street department if all they have time to do is paint curbs.

He advised the council he provides 10 percent of the town's property tax income and doesn't believe painting yellow curbs is a good way to spend tax money.

Town marshal Malcolm Gilbert told Wilcoxson there are parking problems in several areas, naming Second Street and along King's Highway as examples.

Wilcoxson said he never once knew of a fire truck not getting to a hydrant because of parking.

The board thanked Wilcoxson for his input and indicated they will continue the practice of painting curbs along no-parking zones.

The board approved purchase of a jet/vac for the wastewater department, at a cost of $40,000, from Brown Equipment, Fort Wayne. Other quotes came from Geiger Equipment, Silver Lake, and from National Equipment, Indianapolis, both for $46,841.

The council also approved the second and final change order for the storm/sewer line rehabilitation project of $2,481. The project, supervised by Wessler and Associates, Indianapolis, came in 12 percent under budget. Total cost was $518,482.

In other business, the board:

• Heard 2004 sewer rates will remain the same as in 2003 at $34 for each residential property.

• Heard from Gilbert, who suggested the council establish criteria from event organizers. He said a checklist providing information about security, traffic control and other needs should be provided before an event takes place.

• Heard from councilman Jeff Carroll about the trash and numerous vehicles at 413 Wooster Road. Carroll said a neighbor called him to complain about the condition of the yard and numerous garage sales occurring there.

Gilbert said building commissioner Dick Leaf has been to the property.

Also, Gilbert said, residents may have four garage sales per year with the expectation that the items being sold belong to that property owner. He said there is a $50 fee for each additional garage sale and those have been paid.

Carroll said there is a question about a school bus, being used for storage, blocking an alley.

• Gave upcoming events in town as: Sept. 30, 10 a.m., dedication of the Grace College Recreation Center; Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., The Village at Winona Fall Festival; 1 p.m. Prairie Fire String Band in the Artisan Court; and 7:30 p.m., American Lyceum Lecture Series with Kenneth Starr at Rodeheaver Auditorium.

Town council members are David Delp, Rolly Ortega, John Boal and Jeff Carroll. Jerry Clevenger was absent. [[In-content Ad]]