WINONA LAKE - Residents of the island Tuesday complained about increased traffic and drivers who are going too fast in the neighborhood during the town council meeting.

Christie Clay, of West Canal Street, asked that traffic there be monitored for speeding.

Councilman David Delp asked her if the drivers were visitors or residents and she said residents, without naming names.

Town marshal Malcolm Gilbert said he monitored the traffic last year at one-hour intervals and there were no speeders. The speed limit on the island is 20 mph. He said he would monitor the traffic again this year.

Another change order for the senior center was approved in the amount of $4,467, bringing cost of the project to $335,966.34. The renovation is $74,000 over budget. An appropriation of $125,000 from the general fund was approved May 28 to cover the additional costs.

Town coordinator Craig Allebach indicated last night there may be more problems with moisture in the flooring, a floor that was completely replaced when the reconstruction project began.

Engineer Larry Long gave some details regarding the Chestnut Street resurfacing project. The project involves the length of the street, from Columbia to past First Street as well as Fourth Street.

Because of some storm drain and sanitary sewer work, new curbing and sidewalks also will be installed.

Councilman Craig Snow said residents should know whose sidewalks will be torn up by the construction. He added that residents who would not be affected and wish to have new sidewalks poured should be given that opportunity.

He also requested that the specifications indicate to the contractor "unaffected" residents have an opportunity to get a bulk rate on cement.

The Chestnut Street project should begin at the end of July.

In other business, the board:

• Approved the position of fire marshal in the fire department. The fire marshal will make fire code inspections. The position is unpaid.

• Approved Paul Heaton as a reserve police officer. Heaton is assistant chief of security at Grace College.

After a swearing-in ceremony, Christie Clay was asked whether or not Heaton looked like one of the resident speeders on the island.

"Actually," Gilbert said, "this is our first step in taking care of the problem."

• Took under advisement a quote from Michiana Contracting Inc., Plymouth, to install 18 street lights in Stonehenge. Michiana's quote was $24,015. The bid should be awarded at the June 25 council meeting.

• Accepted an annexation petition from Jim McCleary for two lots.

• Approved two ordinances: No. 2002-6-1, regarding flood plain regulations, and 2002-6-2, listing all the street signs in town.

• Heard the project manual is available for the sewer rehabilitation project. Set to begin in November, the work should take 180 days to complete.

Sanitary sewer lines will have a self-sealing liner installed.

Jim LeMasters asked how long the lining would last and was told it could last 40 years.

Councilman Jerry Clevenger amended that statement, saying no one really knows. The system has been in place five years in other towns and cities so far.

"In 20 years it could be just awful," he said. "But I always expect the worst."

The project manual is available to the public in the town clerk's office.

• Upcoming events in town include: Saturday - Gentle Winds Trio at the Artisan Court, 1 p.m.; June 22 - Optimist Triathlon, 8 a.m.; Sax Maniacs at Artisan Court, 11 a.m.; Winona Lake Fire Department's Ladies Auxiliary rummage sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; June 23 - mountain bike races on the Winona Trails, 8 a.m.; MasterWorks Festival June 23 to July 21; and July 6 - July 4th celebration, noon to 8 p.m. in the park.

Town councilmen are David Delp, Jeff Carroll, Jerry Clevenger and Craig Snow. Rolly Ortega was absent. [[In-content Ad]]