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In a unanimous decision, the Kosciusko County Commissioners approved closing the CSX Railroad crossing on CR 150E.
Kosciusko County Highway Superintendent and Engineer Rob Ladson presented the proposal to the commissioners Tuesday. Also present were representatives from CSX Railroad and Indiana Department of Transportation, who supported the closing of the crossing.
"If we do this," Ladson said, "this will move up (the schedule for) three other crossings to lights and gates."
Those crossings include CRs 250E and 350E and Warner Road. Ladson said that's a $450,000 benefit to the county. One-hundred percent of the money would come from the federal government and CSX would pay for other related expenses.
One letter of remonstrance, from Carlton and Mary Ann Beer, was also given to the commissioners as well as a letter of support.
J.R. Kern, the CSX representative, said after discussion with the Beers, they had no problems with the railroad crossing being closed. CSX also plans to look at concerns the Beers have regarding drainage which may or may not be caused by the railroad.
"If it's our fault," said Kern, "we'll address that."
The CR 150E crossing will be closed immediately. The gates and lights installation at the three other crossings will not happen for more than a year, said the INDOT representative.
Several other railroad crossings in the county will have stop signs installed. The money for those stop signs are paid for by a grant.
Stop signs will be posted at CRs 100N, 100W, 100E, 200W, 300N, 325E, 400E, 450E, 450W, 525W, 600E, 600S, 700E, 800S, 800W, 875W, 900E, 900S, 900W, 950S; as well as at Davis and VanNess roads.
Two bids were received and opened for a county highway department road sweeper. Deeds Equipment Co. gave a quote of $134,779; and Best Equipment Co. quoted $139,277. Ladson will make an award recommendation in two weeks.
In other business, the commissioners:
• Approved the plans for bridge 267 to be replaced. The bridge is on Lake Wawasee's east side near Enchanted Hills.
Bid deadline is Aug. 29.
"Funding is in place. We hope to start construction in mid-September, after Labor Day," said Ladson. He said he hoped the road would be closed for less than 50 days and they are trying to coordinate the project with the businesses on Wawasee Drive.
He said, "It will be an inconvenience, there's no doubt about that."
• Approved Ladson to serve on a well-head protection plan committee for Indiana American Water Co. as mandated by the state. The committee will meet one hour each month for six months with the first meeting was scheduled for Tuesday.
• Approved signing the 2001 $685,000 state grant application for Kosciusko Area Bus Service. They are also applying for other local funds.
• Approved the appointment of Robert Olson to serve on the Milford Public Library Board of Trustees.
• Approved claims. A separate claim for $1,000 paying Fifth Third Bank to manage funds for the Justice Building expansion project was approved separately.
• Were informed by Wayne Township Assessor Kristy Mayer that at reassessment time, her office may have to put a couple of tables and chairs out in the hallway for workers. The trustee's office in the courthouse basement isn't large enough for the expected traffic.
• Marsha Eikenberry, Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District director, presented the commissioners with a list of residents who live near the landfill.
Under the guarantee, which was required by the host agreement between KCSWMD and Allied Waste Industries, if the property owners move and can not sell their property at the appraised value, Allied will pay the difference, or full appraised value, of the property.
• Warsaw Housing Authority director Laura Kaufman presented the commissioners with a semi-annual report for a grant WHA received, in conjunction with the county, regarding last year's housing needs assessment.
Commissioners are President Brad Jackson, Avis Gunter and Eddie Creighton.
