Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MENTONE - First, there was damage to the overhead power lines at the park. Then came damage to the grounds.
Town officials were angered Sunday when it was discovered that a semi tractor/trailer reportedly pulled down the line when it parked at the location without permission and the situation wasn't reported.
Mentone Town Council President Ed Rock said during Monday's meeting that the incident left a "double-220" live wire on the ground for more than an hour while there were children playing in the park.
The driver of the rig apparently dropped his trailer there and drove home. He later told police that he didn't realize he caught the wire.
However, Rock said, "You don't do something bad to cover up something you didn't do."
That "something bad" was hooking onto the trailer and pulling it out sideways, tearing up grass and causing extensive damage in the park. This was done despite the fact that the town's dump truck was purposely parked to block the trailer's removal and a note was left that the owner of the trailer should contact the Mentone Police Department. Instead, the trailer was pulled out on Monday morning with no contact made to town officials.
Mentone Town Marshal Jim Eads told town council members that he made contact with the owner, who agreed to pay for the damage. The council decided that it would be difficult to get an accurate estimate for the work and that it will be completed first, with the rig owner to be billed for the total cost.
Rock also plans to contact the owner and/or driver to convey his feelings about the matter and the danger created by the situation.
As a result of the incident, the council voted Monday that no semis will be allowed in the park without specific permission from the town. This will likely be limited to rigs bringing in equipment during Mentone Days.
Additionally, the town is looking to establish an ordinance prohibiting semi parking on town streets and alleys. Town attorney Larry Beeson is expected to bring a draft of the ordinance for review at next month's meeting.
In other business, the council approved having Pro Form Pipe Lining Inc. to clean a tile and install a manhole for a storm sewer that has tree-root blockage.
Utilities superintendent Brian Reed said the 60- to 80-foot section of tile on Washington Street is one-half to three-quarters plugged. The town also plans to clean another 600 feet of storm sewer upstream from that location.
About $8,000 of the $10,700 cost for the work will be taken from the storm sewer fund, with the balance to be reached through an additional appropriation.
The roof at the water shop will be replaced by Rowland Construction. The company's bid of $2,341 was the lesser of two bids received.
The council also approved $1,026.47 for a new computer at the water plant, where a possible lightning strike damaged the old unit during an Aug. 29 storm. The town will turn a claim into insurance.
The Mentone Town Council members are Ed Rock, Ed Lamar and Mike Diemer. The council meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month. This month's meeting was moved forward a week because of the Labor Day holiday.
