Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - The recent dredging of Eckert channel hasn't done anything to clear the water-level-high silt around J.B. Routh's pier posts.
Routh, who lives on Center Street, provided photographs showing a mass of debris along the seawall. The collection is so thick, he told the town council Wednesday, he has to push his boats into the center of the channel to get them started, and his neighbors have the same problem.
Routh has appeared before the council several times in the past regarding the problem.
Dennis Reafsnyder, public works superintendent, said the dredging extended 80 feet into the channel and the bank is being resettled.
Lynn Stevens, Tippecanoe Environmental Lake and Watershed Foundation's executive director, said the project didn't go deep enough or far enough since the damage occurred 150 feet into the channel.
"It's hard to tell how it will all settle out," she said.
Pipes carry silt to the channel from the game preserve and agricultural land, adding to the problem. The town's poorly maintained storm drains also contribute to the situation.
Reafsnyder said a storm drain maintenance program has been initiated and Indiana Department of Transportation representatives have been contacted regarding the state's clogged storm drains along Ind. 13.
In other business, the council:
• Also heard from Reafsnyder, who said 11 of 13 street projects were completed, and leaf pickup should be complete Thursday.
He advised the council there are some problems with the power to certain Christmas decorations lining the streets, and he is tracking down the problem.
Many are powered by photo cells and often only one side of the street is "lit up" because the sun isn't hitting them anymore.
• Approved purchase of a salt box for the street department at a cost of $4,700.
• Heard from town marshal Greg Church, who said three "click it or ticket" signs will be posted in town soon.
• Church also thanked Warsaw veterinarian Dr. Richard Sasso for his assistance regarding a dog hit on Backwater Road.
• Approved, on first reading, a brush ordinance. Final reading will be Jan. 15. The ordinance carries a fine of no less than $10 or more than $100 per violation.
• Set the year-end meeting for Dec. 23 at 1 p.m.
Town council members are Kay Andrews and Jeff Morgan. Ken Wagoner was absent.
