Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
BOURBON - The Bourbon Town Council continued its discussion of the renovation of Bourbon's 100-year-old town hall during the Tuesday meeting.
Kurt Garner, representative of Brent Martin Architects of Plymouth, presented the requested revision of the plans for the project that now includes the utilities area of the building. The cost of the project is estimated at $285,000.
Councilman Larry Wattenbarger asked if the renovation would be done in stages as was discussed. Garner suggested the council set a priority list for the various aspects of the project before putting it out for bids.
Council president Bill Keyser suggested the matter be tabled until the next meeting to allow time to discuss possible sale of bonds for the project with representatives of Umbaugh and Associates. He said that since interest rates are relatively low, "We should look into bonding. It may cost much more to do in a year or two."
The council asked Garner to break down the total cost according to the various parts of the project.
In other matters, Police Chief John West reported the insurance adjuster did not yet assess damage to a patrol car that was wrecked recently in an accident. He said Rick Kanarr, the officer involved, has returned to work.
West said a new squad car was ordered and will be delivered this week. According to council members, the wrecked squad car being replaced will not be sold immediately as planned but will be put into service until it can be replaced by the town's insurance carrier.
The monthly report of police department activities showed eight dog complaints in March. West said two dog bites were reported already in April. He said some dogs are allowed to run loose despite police warnings to the owners.
West asked the town to take action on a few dog owners who would be subject to court action if the laws are not obeyed. West said when the police pick up a stray dog, it is kept by the town for a few days then taken to a local veterinary clinic for a week. After that, the animal is either adopted or euthanized.
Wattenbarger asked Utilities Superintendent Marty Martin about water standing on Ind. 331 on the north edge of Bourbon. He said that it is now also in front of a school being built nearby.
Martin said his department cleared some blockage in one area, but the area in front of the school was under jurisdiction of the state highway department. He said he contacted the state about the problem and was told it would be dealt with when other work is done by the state in that area.
When asked about standing water along Shaffer Road, Martin said a contractor working for GTE cut through storm drains along the road when installing a cable.
Keyser said GTE officials said the repairs would be made by the end of April. Town attorney Mark Wagner will send a letter to both GTE and the contractor if the work is not completed by then. He also suggested the town make the repairs and bill the company if no action is taken.
