PIERCETON – The Pierceton Town Council voiced their support for a variance request regarding fencing at a local business during its Monday council meeting.
Chris Staley, one of LexLil Contracting's owners, said Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission Director Matt Sandy wants him to have fencing around the entirety of his business. If approved, the variance would permit LexLil Contracting to have 100% outside unscreened storage and display.
"What I want to do ... when we bought the property and zoned it commercial, I had to plant about 100 trees along a (neighboring property)," said Staley. "Then I got a letter in the mail saying the property between me and Kevin Shepherd has to be fenced, behind Dollar General has to be fenced, and all along Pierceton's (town) property has to be fenced, which that's a cornfield back there and I think that's absurd."
Staley said it would cost him around $650,000 for the fencing and that he wants to still display his available equipment.
Council did request Staley plant some trees in an area that can be seen from SR 13.
Staley's petition for a variance will be heard before the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals today.
Water Meter Replacement
Town Superintendent Casey Boggs said he's looking at replacing about 80 to 90 water meters. Boggs received one quote in the amount of $41,040 for a pallet containing 144 meters. He told council the town would save around $8,000 if the meters were purchased in bulk.
Council approved Boggs purchasing new water meters contingent on available funding and town attorney Tammy Keirn checking statutes to determine if additional quotes are needed.
Addressing Sidewalk Project Rumors
Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast addressed two concerns that were brought to her privately about the School Street sidewalk project. She said the concerns were based on "circulating rumors," as some citizens reported hearing the sidewalk would be torn apart in five years for pipe replacement and the project was being paid for through the town's utility account.
Mast said there are no pipes underneath the new pathway and that the work was primarily funded through two grants and funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The town paid $38,000 toward the project, with none of that paid from the utility fund.
"Our goal is always to be fiscally responsible and transparent, and we appreciate residents bringing their concerns forward so they can be addressed in a factual and respectable manner," said Mast.
She encouraged any residents with questions about the sidewalk project to contact her.
Mast also reminded citizens that townwide garage sales will take place on June 13 and 14, with large trash pickup day being June 21.
Council also:
• Heard a request from Sasha Cataldo with Giuseppe's Traveling Trattoria Food Truck about setting up his truck in Pierceton during non-event days. Council said Cataldo could speak with privately owned businesses about setting up there, but that council would have to look into the matter further if he wished to set up on town property.
• Approved paying for a third party to locate a water main for Chelsie Creekmore, who owns apartments on First Street.
Council's next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. June 9 at the Pierceton Community Building.