PIERCETON — Pierceton Town Council approved the town becoming the designated party for funds from a local alumni organization during a council meeting Monday.
Doug Gregory, with the Pierceton School Alumni Association, attended the meeting. He said PSAA was organized over 130 years ago and became a not-for-profit corporation in 2014. PSAA then engaged with the Kosciusko County Community Foundation for fundraising assistance.
"We've raised over $80,000 in the past 10 years," Gregory said.
He noted Pierceton School's last graduating class was from 1971 and that PSAA membership was shrinking due to members' ages. He estimated PSAA will be active for about six or seven more years and asked the council to have the town become a designated party for PSAA's funds.
Council President Glenn Hall said it made sense for the town to take that over when it comes time to do so. The council approved moving forward on an agreement with PSAA on the matter.
In other business, Town Superintendent Casey Boggs said the town of Larwill hired an engineer to look at drinking water options. Larwill representatives then reached out to the town of Pierceton to discuss the possibility of Pierceton supplying water to Larwill.
"There's very few details, but I think it's worth looking into," said Boggs. "I've got so many questions to ask the engineers."
Boggs told the council he would set up a meeting with engineers and one representative from each of the towns for further discussion.
"I certainly think it's worth listening to them," said Hall. "But I'm like you and I want more information."
Boggs also recommended residents check out the improvements currently underway at Pierceton-Washington Township Park.
Council also heard an update from Town Marshal Jim Bumbaugh. Pierceton Police Department is currently looking for a new officer following Ashley Jones' resignation. With this vacancy, Bumbaugh asked for permission to sell a 2015 Ford Fusion PPD owns, describing the vehicle as "not fully roadworthy." The council approved Bumbaugh selling the vehicle.
Stephanie Campbell, with the Pierceton Chamber of Commerce, gave an update on Christmas events. The town's Christmas lights decorating committee began setting up decorations on Nov. 10. Anyone interested in helping set up decorations can meet at Brower Park at 2 p.m. every Sunday for the next three weeks.
Pierceton's annual Christmas lights parade will be Dec. 7, with line-up taking place at 5:30 p.m. at Pierceton Elementary School. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. and travel to Brower Park, with free cookies and hot chocolate available to all. Those interested in being a part of the parade can contact the chamber. Day-of entries will also be accepted.
After the parade, the town's Christmas decorations will be lit and Santa Claus will be at Harvest Community Church.
Council also:
• Heard from Globe Life representatives regarding supplemental insurance for town employees. The representatives said they had recently partnered with the town of Silver Lake. Council approved having Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast talk with town employees to gauge their interest.
• Heard the week of Dec. 1 will be the last week for leaf pickup. However, town employees will pick up residents' leaves after that date if they are bagged.
• OK'd a request from Pierceton Fire Department to place a shed to store a trailer and UTV owned by the department.
• Recognized veterans in attendance for their service.
• Heard the town received $126,246.73 through the Community Crossings matching grant program.
• Approved the purchase of a new fridge for the Pierceton Community Building.
• Heard from Greg Chism, who thanked Boggs, the fire department, and Deb Finken for their help in placing veterans' banners in town.
Pierceton Council's next regular meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9. The next Pierceton Redevelopment Commission meeting is at 6 p.m. Nov. 25.