Bourbon Sees Solutions For Industrial Waste, Unkempt Property
September 11, 2019 at 11:48 p.m.
By Carol Anders-
During Tuesday’s meeting of the council, town attorney Tony Wagner presented a completed contract that is expected to be signed by the management of Shells Inc.
Among other items, the contract stipulates deadlines for the removal of industrial waste from their property. The town has had ongoing meetings with Shell representatives to establish a schedule for the waste removal; however, previous agreements were seemingly not carried through. At one point, the large mound of waste was impeding access to the town’s water lines.
Responding to questions near the end of the council meeting, Wagner indicated that noncompliance of the proposed contract would be handled by the Indiana Department of Emergency Management.
The town also was able to receive the deed to property at 804/806 N. Main St. The house on the property had been in disrepair for a number of years and reportedly even had wild animals inhabiting the premises. Wagner said he was waiting until the past owners had removed windows before he accepted the deed in court action so as to limit the liability of possible injuries during the demolition process. Once the windows were removed, all of the openings were boarded up.
Bill Keyser, Zoning Department, said he has already received two quotes for the total demolition of the house. The quote for $68,000 was rejected and the second for $35,000 was accepted. Keyser did not state the names of those submitting quotes. Although the property is commonly referred to as one, it is actually two parcels and will be sold as two parcels.
The public will be given an opportunity at a hearing in October to express their opinions and/or ask questions concerning a possible rate increase to the water utilities. The financial advising firm of Bakertilly spoke to the council and told it of a four-year plan that could be implemented beginning in January. The town has 109 hydrants that cost $622.40 each to supply with water, bringing in $67,842 in annual fire protection revenue. There are some hydrants that are owned privately by companies and are paid for through private funds.
The four-year phase-in plan would mean a $1.65 month charge per meter in the first year; $3.39 the second year; $5.09 the third; and finally, $6.79 the fourth. There are 746 patrons at this time.
A vote on the proposed increase could be finalized at the November meeting of the council.
Local homeowner Rosemary Shearer, 207 W. Sunset St., expressed her opinions on how the town has chosen which streets to repave and shared her disgust that her street has not been repaved since 1994.
She said, “My street is narrow and cracked. My street is being ignored.”
Street Department Superintendent Roger Terry, Council President P. J. Hanley and Wagner all explained that the streets being repaved were chosen by engineers doing surveys since the cost is being paid by a Community Crossings grant. Shearer did receive the assurance of the council that her request would be considered at some point.
Shearer did qualify for the town’s 50/50 sidewalk program. It was noted that the sidewalk at her property needs to be leveled at a total cost of $1,092 and the town would pay half of that amount.
A copy of the town’s proposed 2020 budget can be viewed at Clerk-treasurer Kim Berger’s office. According to Berger, the budget is some $24,000 less than the 2019 budget.
The town tric-or-treat night was set for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31.
Latest News
E-Editions
During Tuesday’s meeting of the council, town attorney Tony Wagner presented a completed contract that is expected to be signed by the management of Shells Inc.
Among other items, the contract stipulates deadlines for the removal of industrial waste from their property. The town has had ongoing meetings with Shell representatives to establish a schedule for the waste removal; however, previous agreements were seemingly not carried through. At one point, the large mound of waste was impeding access to the town’s water lines.
Responding to questions near the end of the council meeting, Wagner indicated that noncompliance of the proposed contract would be handled by the Indiana Department of Emergency Management.
The town also was able to receive the deed to property at 804/806 N. Main St. The house on the property had been in disrepair for a number of years and reportedly even had wild animals inhabiting the premises. Wagner said he was waiting until the past owners had removed windows before he accepted the deed in court action so as to limit the liability of possible injuries during the demolition process. Once the windows were removed, all of the openings were boarded up.
Bill Keyser, Zoning Department, said he has already received two quotes for the total demolition of the house. The quote for $68,000 was rejected and the second for $35,000 was accepted. Keyser did not state the names of those submitting quotes. Although the property is commonly referred to as one, it is actually two parcels and will be sold as two parcels.
The public will be given an opportunity at a hearing in October to express their opinions and/or ask questions concerning a possible rate increase to the water utilities. The financial advising firm of Bakertilly spoke to the council and told it of a four-year plan that could be implemented beginning in January. The town has 109 hydrants that cost $622.40 each to supply with water, bringing in $67,842 in annual fire protection revenue. There are some hydrants that are owned privately by companies and are paid for through private funds.
The four-year phase-in plan would mean a $1.65 month charge per meter in the first year; $3.39 the second year; $5.09 the third; and finally, $6.79 the fourth. There are 746 patrons at this time.
A vote on the proposed increase could be finalized at the November meeting of the council.
Local homeowner Rosemary Shearer, 207 W. Sunset St., expressed her opinions on how the town has chosen which streets to repave and shared her disgust that her street has not been repaved since 1994.
She said, “My street is narrow and cracked. My street is being ignored.”
Street Department Superintendent Roger Terry, Council President P. J. Hanley and Wagner all explained that the streets being repaved were chosen by engineers doing surveys since the cost is being paid by a Community Crossings grant. Shearer did receive the assurance of the council that her request would be considered at some point.
Shearer did qualify for the town’s 50/50 sidewalk program. It was noted that the sidewalk at her property needs to be leveled at a total cost of $1,092 and the town would pay half of that amount.
A copy of the town’s proposed 2020 budget can be viewed at Clerk-treasurer Kim Berger’s office. According to Berger, the budget is some $24,000 less than the 2019 budget.
The town tric-or-treat night was set for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092