Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - All Syracuse streets, roads and public rights of way are now designated emergency snow routes after the town council passed an amendment to the emergency snow route ordinance at its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night in Town Hall.
When the town council president calls a snow emergency, all vehicles must be removed from all streets, roads and public rights of way so that snowplows can clear the streets for use by emergency vehicles. If the vehicles aren't moved, they will be towed.
"We will only have them towed after every effort is made for compliance," said Police Chief Tom Perzanowski, who explained that after the heavy December snows, it was impossible to get an ambulance, a fire truck or a snowplow down some streets in town.
No deadline for vehicle removal was set, but it was understood that common sense should prevail for the safety of Syracuse residents.
Before passing the ordinance, the town council discussed the difficulty the amendment poses to homes without driveways. The decision to accept the change came because they understood the importance of cleared streets to the safety of all residents.
A second ordinance that passed sets 10 percent as the rate charged for water bills not paid within the 35 days allowed.
A third ordinance relating to salaries and benefits was tabled because employees rejected a portion of the employee manual passed by the council in December. Employees asked that they receive seven sick days and four personal days annually instead of the 12 sick days and additional personal days prescribed in the manual, because all of this time off was pro-rated according to longevity of service. They also will receive 10 paid holidays in 2001.
The council voted $1,500 to help town residents who are in need due to job loss or layoffs. The money will be given to Combined Community Services North to administer.
"I think it will show town support for these people," said council president Barbara Carwile.
Town manager Brian Redshaw emphasized the number of Syracuse jobless is between 650 and 700, not the 1,000 as reported by some.
In other business, the council granted permission for the Public Works Department to purchase a straight snowplow for $2,445 and a new drying oven needed for state-required analysis for $2,417.
The Public Works Department will pick up Christmas trees for an additional week if they are not in plastic bags and if all foreign items have been removed, including tree stands, ornaments and lights.
Fire Chief Larry Hunter asked permission to advertise for bids for a new pumper truck to replace the one bought more than 40 years ago. He explained that it no longer meets its capacity.
He estimated the truck would cost between $170,000 and $230,000, which includes "lots of extras." Turkey Creek Township will pay half the cost. He emphasized that at this time he is only looking for specific cost information. The council granted permission for informational purposes only. They hope to receive three to five bids.
Redshaw reported on the Village Comprehensive Plan, which is a planning tool to help the town organize its priorities. Since it is extensive, the council will need time to study it and prioritize recommendations. A public meeting will be held in April.
He said the Train Safety Committee met Jan. 2 and will meet the first Monday of each quarter. The town's train whistle petition will be ready by the end of the month.
Redshaw also reminded members of the Jan. 23 special meeting to discuss Ind. 13.
Mike Hixenbaugh, superintendent of parks, said construction must begin on the community center by May or face loss of the $450,000 federal CFF grant. He said bids have been advertised and will be opened Feb. 19. He continues to raise funds for the center and assured the board that any money raised above the needs will be placed in an endowment fund.
In other park business, Hixenbaugh said 900 surveys are ready to mail and additional ones are available through his office.
"We need them returned so we can make a good master plan," he explained.
His report also included information on trees. Last year 11 were planted, 15 pruned and eight removed, at a cost of nearly $6,800. He is planning an activity-filled Arbor Day celebration April 27 and hopes to develop a tree stewardship program. Tree City USA application will be turned in this spring.
