Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
CLAYPOOL - The town is preparing for the upcoming groundbreaking of the Louis Dreyfus facility scheduled for Thursday.
This is open to the public, and is scheduled to begin at 8:45 a.m. Those interested in participating should meet at the Lions Club, Claypool, and then will be bussed to the site. Groundbreaking is expected to last until 11 a.m. when a lunch catered by Penguin Point will be served.
Louis Dreyfus is planning to build the world's largest biodiesel fuels plant at the site.
Jeff Hersha, with the engineering firm Jones and Henry, Fort Wayne, was present to reiterate to the board that his firm be considered if and when they need any engineering assistance in the future.
The issue of Claypool implementing its own water- and sewage-testing lab was discussed. Cost of the lab would be $12,197.10. The set-up time for an in-house lab would be approximately two weeks. Danny Warner has been certified to do the testing, which consists of some monthly as well as some weekly tests. The board approved a motion for Niki Miller, town clerk, to check into the details of setting up the lab, as well as financing options.
Old business still on the table was annexation. The properties included in the possible annexation are water customers that are paying an additional $1 per month on their water bills. The annexation will increase the town limits from CR 700E to the creek, CR 200W north to the creek, CR 200W south to the railroad, and CR 700W to Ind. 15.
The board suggested the owners of the 32 parcels involved be notified via mail, and a public hearing will be held. A motion was approved.
Spring clean-up day is scheduled for May 5. Allied Waste will have normal trash removal, as well as picking up excessive garbage and other items. There is an additional charge for larger pieces, such as furniture and non-freon containing appliances, which individual residents will be responsible for.
The Claypool alumni reunion is planned for May 6. Several generations of former and current Claypool residents are expected to attend, including some of 60 years.
The issue of a hole in a county drain tile was addressed. Niki Miller already has contacted the surveyor's office and they agreed to complete the repairs.
A dead tree was removed from one of the school bus stop areas. The town felt it was a safety issue for children waiting to go to school in the morning. They are looking into more unsafe trees with dead limbs and will take action accordingly.
Janet Warren thanked Danny Warner for all his help in picking up leaves. Warner said they were planning on spraying around the fence at the New Beginnings housing addition.
The town plans on hanging a sign out for the Louis Dreyfus groundbreaking that reads: "A Small Town with a Big Heart."
Board president is Donald Miller. Board members are Larry Neher and David Dills.
