CLAYPOOL — A new part-time town marshal for Claypool Police Department was sworn in during a council meeting Tuesday.
Trevor Long was sworn in by town attorney Andrew Grossnickle.
"I'm looking forward to continuing a healthy relationship with the town," said Long.
Paul Mullins resigned from the town marshal position, but will continue working for CPD as a reserve deputy marshal. Mullins was sworn into his new position by Long.
Both Long and Mullins said CPD has a new email address with a .gov extension and is working on remaking the department's Facebook page. Residents wanting to leave tips or contact officers can email the department at [email protected].
In other business, Commonwealth Engineers Inc. Business Development Manager Chris Harrison gave updates on the town's Office of Community and Rural Affairs grant funding process. He said OCRA recently completed a site visit in Claypool and received positive feedback from that.
Harrison emphasized the importance of more residential letters about the need for Claypool's sewer system to be upgraded. He and Council Member Don Miller encouraged any residents who have experienced flooding in their homes or sewer backup to fill out a form detailing their experiences and turn it in at the town barn.
Council also asked about income surveys from Kleinpeter Consulting Group LLC for the grant funding process. Harrison said he was in contact with the group and that everything was moving forward with surveys being distributed to residents via mail.
Harrison also asked the council for approval to apply for a Community Crossings grant. The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program provides funding to cities, towns, and counties across the state to make improvements to local roads and bridges.
Harrison said it's a 25/75 grant fund, with the town having to match 25% of what is awarded. The grant can be up to $1.5 million and can include work such as storm drains and curbs. Applications are due Dec. 1. Council approved Harrison applying for the grant.
Council President Benny Stage Jr. informed the community they received two estimates for annual maintenance at the retention pond on the west side of town. The town will hold a TIF meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 to approve a bid for the maintenance.
The council also had a meeting with Kosciusko Connect representatives on Wednesday to discuss establishing fiber optic services for town residents. Stage encouraged anyone interested in utilizing Kosciusko Connect's services to contact the company during Tuesday’s meeting.
Council also:
• Approved a contract renewal with Borden Waste-Away Service Inc. for trash and recycling services. There will be a roughly 50 cent rate increase for residents.
• Approved Dennis Otten with Bose McKinney & Evans as the town's bond council for the State Revolving Fund Loan grant process.
The next meeting is at 7 p.m. Dec. 17.