Pierceton Council Looks To Change Recreation Board To Park Board
March 9, 2021 at 8:52 p.m.
By Teresa [email protected]
Specifically, the park board is not an independent entity, but rather a recreation board which can advise the town council.
“Things were rewritten in 2010,” Barker said. “We’ve met with the ‘park board’ members and we have some sorting to do to make it a park board.”
Town lawyer Tammy Keirn said she’s working on ordinances to establish a park board. A representative from the township would sit on the board, and she said she’s contacted the trustee to appoint someone.
The Council reappointed Cindy Kreger to the recreation board. She will serve another four-year term.
Barker noted that anyone who wants to serve, can, as long as they’re a property owner. He said the meetings are open to the public and anyone can attend them.
Utility Superintendent Casey Boggs said Chelsey Creekmore wants to offer seven studio-sized apartments at 119 N. First St.
Barker and Brubaker said that would be fine as long as state statutes were followed.
Boggs asked if a utility rate study would be ordered, and Brubaker motioned to hire Baker Tilly accountants to do the work, which was approved. The study will be paid for with county economic development income tax money.
Utility rate increases may or may not be indicated as a result of the study.
Town Marshal Tim Sammons said officer Ashley Jones will report for training at the state police academy June 7 and is expected to graduate Sept. 17.
He said officer Ryan Piper has completed the field training officer course, and the department plans to restart the reserve program March 22 with a couple of individuals.
Housing Opportunities of Warsaw Director Pam Kennedy said the organization’s staff worked with three Pierceton property owners this year.
She noted that some seniors apply for financial aid then “we discover there’s an adult child living there with a good income.”
The town was invoiced $650 for recent HOW expenses, which was approved.
Kennedy said the revolving housing loan balance was $19,402, adding that people are making their payments.
She reminded the Council of the housing steering committee, which is studying housing needs in each town.
“The K21 Foundation has received a very large grant, millions,” she said. “A five-year plan is being developed with money for development. Growth in Kosciusko County is way bigger than available housing.”
She said the federal government has determined a housing authority can’t be a not-for-profit. Housing Opportunities of Warsaw will fold and become will be an arm of the Bowen Center. The restructuring will include a housing committee with board members.
“We have classes through a Lilly grant for individuals and groups," she said.
She said one of the classes will help people with bad credit scores to establish a budget with regular reviews of how they spent their money.
Barker said small towns are bombarded with a confusing amount of assistance programs and information and it’s hard to know which one to select.
“That’s just government,” Kennedy said, “so go with the flow.”
Barker said he was more interested in getting someone to lead them through the puzzle of it all.
Specifically, the park board is not an independent entity, but rather a recreation board which can advise the town council.
“Things were rewritten in 2010,” Barker said. “We’ve met with the ‘park board’ members and we have some sorting to do to make it a park board.”
Town lawyer Tammy Keirn said she’s working on ordinances to establish a park board. A representative from the township would sit on the board, and she said she’s contacted the trustee to appoint someone.
The Council reappointed Cindy Kreger to the recreation board. She will serve another four-year term.
Barker noted that anyone who wants to serve, can, as long as they’re a property owner. He said the meetings are open to the public and anyone can attend them.
Utility Superintendent Casey Boggs said Chelsey Creekmore wants to offer seven studio-sized apartments at 119 N. First St.
Barker and Brubaker said that would be fine as long as state statutes were followed.
Boggs asked if a utility rate study would be ordered, and Brubaker motioned to hire Baker Tilly accountants to do the work, which was approved. The study will be paid for with county economic development income tax money.
Utility rate increases may or may not be indicated as a result of the study.
Town Marshal Tim Sammons said officer Ashley Jones will report for training at the state police academy June 7 and is expected to graduate Sept. 17.
He said officer Ryan Piper has completed the field training officer course, and the department plans to restart the reserve program March 22 with a couple of individuals.
Housing Opportunities of Warsaw Director Pam Kennedy said the organization’s staff worked with three Pierceton property owners this year.
She noted that some seniors apply for financial aid then “we discover there’s an adult child living there with a good income.”
The town was invoiced $650 for recent HOW expenses, which was approved.
Kennedy said the revolving housing loan balance was $19,402, adding that people are making their payments.
She reminded the Council of the housing steering committee, which is studying housing needs in each town.
“The K21 Foundation has received a very large grant, millions,” she said. “A five-year plan is being developed with money for development. Growth in Kosciusko County is way bigger than available housing.”
She said the federal government has determined a housing authority can’t be a not-for-profit. Housing Opportunities of Warsaw will fold and become will be an arm of the Bowen Center. The restructuring will include a housing committee with board members.
“We have classes through a Lilly grant for individuals and groups," she said.
She said one of the classes will help people with bad credit scores to establish a budget with regular reviews of how they spent their money.
Barker said small towns are bombarded with a confusing amount of assistance programs and information and it’s hard to know which one to select.
“That’s just government,” Kennedy said, “so go with the flow.”
Barker said he was more interested in getting someone to lead them through the puzzle of it all.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092