CLAYPOOL - The railroad was one of several issues discussed by members of the Claypool Town Council Monday.
The railroad gates at Harrison Street have been closed for a while due to a misunderstanding by the federal government. The closing of the gates creates a serious safety condition because it has the possibility of compromising the response time in an emergency situation.
"Also, current railroad expansion projects at the rail intersection and projected additional mainline rails in the next five years all make the use of the Harrison Street crossing very important," said Don Miller, town council board president.
Two of the town council members recently sat down with the vice president of government affairs at the railroad company, Norfolk Southern. In order to put the gates and lights back up, they must be approved by the Indiana Department of Transportation. The cost will be around $250,000. Miller is currently putting together a petition and is trying to decide who should cover the cost.
Town council members decided to have an executive meeting at 6 p.m. Monday to discuss the railroad proposal.
Town council member Larry Neher brought to the attention of the council the issue of the amount of water the fire department is using to put out fires. Gene Warner, Claypool water utility superintendent, questioned whether the department bills landowners for the amount of water that is used when negligence is involved and Miller suggested discussing a policy. The members of the town council also decided to discuss this at Monday's meeting.
The members also discussed the payments for the repairs on the water tower. A bill has been received, but the members are unsure whether the work is officially finished and whether or not they should hold off on the payment. The members also decided to discuss this at the meeting Monday.
