PIERCETON — Sidney will soon receive police protection from Pierceton Police Department.
Crunching numbers for the cost of average officer wages and gasoline, Pierceton Town Marshal Jim Bumbaugh was approved to have his officers provide a maximum of two hours a week to the town of Sidney. The service was approved by the Pierceton Town Council Monday.
Bumbaugh stated Sidney does have funds available through a safety fund it can use to pay Pierceton for police protection. The plan is to have Pierceton officers “slide down” to Sidney and patrol the town. “The time and day will vary. It will not be routine and at the discretion of the officers,” he said.
Lisa Parrett, Sidney clerk-treasurer, stated, “It is much better than what we have now. It’s much appreciated.”
There were a few concerns expressed by Sidney Councilwoman Sharon Rancourt as the two towns had started down this path before but never went further than discussion.
Sidney would pick up the cost for the time a Pierceton officer was in their town and Bumbaugh will be working with town officials as to problem hours and areas. “If there are areas of concern, let us know so we can be aware of that,” he stated.
“We want to be good neighbors and help in any way and I do think just having a presence … we are willing to try it,” stated Glenn Hall, Pierceton council president. The two towns will work out the necessary legal documents such as an inter-local agreement.
Pierceton Councilman Matt Brubaker suggested Pierceton bill Sidney for the services once a year.
Asked if the two hours a week would be beneficial, Parrett stated, “We have none right now … (it will) definitely help us.”
Rancourt asked the councils stay in communication in case there are questions and concerns that come up.
Special Day In Pierceton
There will be a special day in Pierceton Thursday. That day will be Georgia Tenney Day, in honor of Tenney being named the 2023 Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year.
Hall read the proclamation, which noted Tenney “has been a resident of this town for 56 years and whereas Miss Georgia Tenney has demonstrated her dedication to improving the Pierceton community by serving in various volunteer, elected position … takes great pride in recognizing her for her many accomplishments. … deem it an honor and a pleasure to announce Feb. 15, 2024, be declared Georgia Tenney Day in the town of Pierceton.”
After being presented a vase of flowers and the proclamation, Tenney stated, “Thank you. That’s all I can say.”
During business matters, the council approved the rezoning request by Kevin and Gail Shepherd for 533 S. First St. from industrial to commercial. Gail stated later they will be going back before the board of zoning asking for a variance as there will be multiple businesses in that building.
Hall stated, “We’ll be very supportive … excited what you are doing up there.”
Additionally, the board approved allowing Keith Pauwels, 412 S. Village, to use a private well instead of hooking onto the town’s water system. Casey Boggs, utility superintendent, noted it would make more sense for Pauwels to use a well than the town running close to 420 feet of water line to the property. This approval was an exception and any new requests would be reviewed individually.
During department reports, the council:
• Approved approximately $800 for new weapons for the police department and allow offices to purchase the old equipment.
• Heard the police department received a $300 donation from Harbor Freight and they will be deciding how to spend the money.
• Gave approval for Boggs to spend $2,567.71 to repair the generator at the community building in Brower Park and have the garage door springs replaced at the street department.
• Myra Mast, clerk-treasurer, announced the town’s spring clean-up will be June 21.
• Approved a $2,500 deductible for the town’s liability insurance due to rising premium costs.
• Voted to give town employees an option of either carrying a personal and town cell phone or installing a specified app on their personal phones with the monthly fee to be paid by the town.
• Granted a request from Kelsea Degaetano, Pierceton Chamber executive director, on the chamber’s use of Brower Park for various chamber sponsored events in 2024. The events included Destination Pierceton, May 10-11; townwide garage sales, June 7-8; Pierceton Days, Aug. 2-4; and Heirloom Tomato Festival, Aug. 24.
• Heard a memorial motorcycle ride on Sept. 7 wants to make its final stop in Pierceton at Brower Park for corn hole games and socialization. The recreation board will make sure there is proof of insurance and they are aware of the no alcohol policy.
• Approved the purchase of three dog waste stations, two for the baseball diamonds and one at Brower Park. The cost for the stations, including liners and bags, is $991.45.
Other action by the board including the second and final reading of the fire ordinance, which will see that Washington Township receives all the tax dollars for fire service.
Before adjournment, the council opened the meeting for public comment. Several residents questioned why 6-foot-wide sidewalks and the removal of 15 trees were necessary. It was noted because COVID funds were being used for the sidewalk project, there were specific specifications. It was also noted the exact location of those sidewalks is unknown as the engineering has not fully been completed. There will be public meetings on the project for public input and concerns.
A resident at the corner of Fourth and Walnut asked if the town will be looking into the standing water problem in that area. She stated pond scum has started to appear on the water. She requested new tile and/or lines be looked into. It was noted a utility study is being done and that is the top priority. Additionally, a service already in town regarding other work will be contacted to take a look at what is causing the problem. An update was requested for the March meeting.
Prior to the opening of the regular meeting, a public hearing was conducted to open bids on the sales of a 2013 Ford retired police car. Two bids were received, one for $2,000 and another for $900. The board accepted the $2,000 bid.
The next meeting of the council will be at 6:30 p.m. March 11.