Bourbon Has Public Hearing On Wastewater Project
November 11, 2020 at 9:12 p.m.
By Carol Anders-
They welcomed new Councilman Terry Clemens, who replaced P.J. Hanley, who resigned at the October meeting.
A public hearing on the Stellar wastewater project was held; however, there were no comments from the public.
Grant writer Shannon McCleod reviewed the scope of the project that is estimated to cost $1,083,000 for a total rehab of the east and south lift stations. According to McCleod, $840,000 will be covered by a federal grant and the town’s contribution would be $243,000. The town has anticipated the need at some point to make improvements and has set aside funds over time.
The project details could be confirmed by January or early February, and the project could be in construction as weather permits. There will be a second public hearing on the project.
Water usage billing for some residents was misread due to how the new meters installed by the town this summer and resulted in some large bills. According to Bourbon Town Clerk-treasurer Kim Berger, the problem was how the decimal point was used. She indicated that some residents had received low bill over a 2-1/2-month period and the bills were adjusted once the problem was discovered. Berger said those with questions should contact the clerk’s office for information. Responding to a comment on the virtual site, Berger said payment arrangements could be made if necessary.
Due to the holidays, the large trash pickup dates will be Nov. 20 and Dec. 18.
Leaf pickup will end Nov. 25.
Police Chief Bill Martin requested an increase in the hourly pay rate for part-time officers. He told the council members that other nearby towns were paying at a higher rate. The Council approved an increase from $17 an hour to $20 per hour. Council President Ward Byers said the increase is for certified law enforcement officers.
Street Superintendent Roger Terry asked that the Council approve a fee of $2,400 for a Pavement Asset Management Plan from JPR. He indicated that the plan is necessary to apply for Community Crossing Grants for 2021. The Council voted unanimously to approve the request.
The Council voiced their appreciation to Slabaugh Fabricating for donating stainless steel corn hole boards; Bourbon Christian School for a donation of $2,800 from their fundraiser for the town’s park; and a $1,000 donation from the township for repairs to the splash pad.
A proposed amendment to the golf cart ordinance was passed on first reading. The amendment would increase the cost of registering golf carts from $10 to $20. It was noted that the increase would be used to cover the cost of printing stickers for the carts.
The council accepted a letter of retirement from Bill Keyser, zoning/code enforcement; approved the appointment of Anna Gilsinger to the BZA and Kim Berger to the County Unsafe Building Committee.
The town will soon have a new sign to post countywide events as well as emergency information. The LED signs are being erected in every town in the county at no charge and will be paid for by a COVID grant. The towns will be responsible for the payment of electricity services.
The Council voted 3-0 to deny a request by Omnisource to waive stormwater fees. The business is moving out of Bourbon. The waiver request was presented as indefinite and council members objected to the lack of a date. Byers said the town depends on the fees to service the stormwater lines.
Drawing of proposed changes to the park’s basketball courts and the addition of pickle ball courts are available at the clerk’s office for public viewing. The council indicated that the drawings and associated needs will help them determine the overall cost for the project.
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They welcomed new Councilman Terry Clemens, who replaced P.J. Hanley, who resigned at the October meeting.
A public hearing on the Stellar wastewater project was held; however, there were no comments from the public.
Grant writer Shannon McCleod reviewed the scope of the project that is estimated to cost $1,083,000 for a total rehab of the east and south lift stations. According to McCleod, $840,000 will be covered by a federal grant and the town’s contribution would be $243,000. The town has anticipated the need at some point to make improvements and has set aside funds over time.
The project details could be confirmed by January or early February, and the project could be in construction as weather permits. There will be a second public hearing on the project.
Water usage billing for some residents was misread due to how the new meters installed by the town this summer and resulted in some large bills. According to Bourbon Town Clerk-treasurer Kim Berger, the problem was how the decimal point was used. She indicated that some residents had received low bill over a 2-1/2-month period and the bills were adjusted once the problem was discovered. Berger said those with questions should contact the clerk’s office for information. Responding to a comment on the virtual site, Berger said payment arrangements could be made if necessary.
Due to the holidays, the large trash pickup dates will be Nov. 20 and Dec. 18.
Leaf pickup will end Nov. 25.
Police Chief Bill Martin requested an increase in the hourly pay rate for part-time officers. He told the council members that other nearby towns were paying at a higher rate. The Council approved an increase from $17 an hour to $20 per hour. Council President Ward Byers said the increase is for certified law enforcement officers.
Street Superintendent Roger Terry asked that the Council approve a fee of $2,400 for a Pavement Asset Management Plan from JPR. He indicated that the plan is necessary to apply for Community Crossing Grants for 2021. The Council voted unanimously to approve the request.
The Council voiced their appreciation to Slabaugh Fabricating for donating stainless steel corn hole boards; Bourbon Christian School for a donation of $2,800 from their fundraiser for the town’s park; and a $1,000 donation from the township for repairs to the splash pad.
A proposed amendment to the golf cart ordinance was passed on first reading. The amendment would increase the cost of registering golf carts from $10 to $20. It was noted that the increase would be used to cover the cost of printing stickers for the carts.
The council accepted a letter of retirement from Bill Keyser, zoning/code enforcement; approved the appointment of Anna Gilsinger to the BZA and Kim Berger to the County Unsafe Building Committee.
The town will soon have a new sign to post countywide events as well as emergency information. The LED signs are being erected in every town in the county at no charge and will be paid for by a COVID grant. The towns will be responsible for the payment of electricity services.
The Council voted 3-0 to deny a request by Omnisource to waive stormwater fees. The business is moving out of Bourbon. The waiver request was presented as indefinite and council members objected to the lack of a date. Byers said the town depends on the fees to service the stormwater lines.
Drawing of proposed changes to the park’s basketball courts and the addition of pickle ball courts are available at the clerk’s office for public viewing. The council indicated that the drawings and associated needs will help them determine the overall cost for the project.
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