NORTH WEBSTER – During Tuesday evening’s regular meeting of the North Webster Town Council, Gene Crusie, founder of Surf Internet, made a brief presentation to introduce himself to the council and the community.
Crusie’s Elkhart-based company is in the process of entering the North Webster market, offering high-speed fiber internet service to many of the town’s residents.
Crusie explained that Surf Internet currently holds the contract with Whitko Community Schools, including Pierceton Elementary, which creates the inroad to Kosciusko County. He said that the cost for service will range from $35-$85 per month, depending on the speed desired. Letters to the areas the service will be available will be sent approximately two weeks before it is available. Crusie estimated the service will be ready in approximately one month.
In department reports, Inframark Utilities Manager Mike Noe informed the council that leaf pickup in the community has begun.
In the police report, Det. Sgt. Dave May informed the council that the department is accepting applications for a new officer.
In the parks report, Leeann Hobbs told the council that the tables and benches at the town park have been put away for the winter. Additionally, the park’s restrooms have been closed for the year.
In other business:
• Eric Ivory, representing Borden Waste-Away, the town’s current trash provider, addressed the council regarding the current contract, which is set to expire in 2024. He is hopeful the contract will be extended or that his company will receive consideration should bidding be open following the contract’s expiration.
• Attorney Steve Snyder, representing Family Express, spoke to the council regarding the business’s local address.
There is some confusion whether their North Webster property is located at 730 S. Main St. or 740 S. Main St. He requested the clarification that the address should legally be 730 S. Main St., which will be used for various permits and deliveries. He also noted that Family Express will be adding a new car wash on the north end of the property and that the entire complex would use the 730 S. Main St. address.
• Tippecanoe Township Trustee Chris Francis offered for consideration the final budget for the township, which had been officially presented at a previous meeting. He received unanimous approval for the budget.
• Brooklyn Bradley was introduced to the council by Francis as one of two new employees with the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory. Bradley currently is a paramedic who also is training for firefighter certification.
• Mark Lawson, speaking on behalf of the North Webster Lions Club, requested approval from the council to place banners on 17 light poles in the town to promote the Mermaid Festival. The banners will be displayed during June. The request was approved.
The next meeting of the North Webster Town Council will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 7, in the North Webster Community Center.