Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN - Public hearings necessary for moving ahead with grant applications for the town's water and wastewater projects were conducted during Tuesday's Etna Green Town Council meeting.
No remonstrance was heard regarding submission of the applications, which are due Friday.
The town will seek funding from Rural Development for both projects, plus a $500,000 grant from the Department of Commerce's Community Focus Fund for the wastewater project.
The water project, which includes a new well field, treatment changes at the water plant and distribution repairs throughout town, is expected to cost $1.6 million. The wastewater project - treatment plant rehabilitation and improvement - is anticipated to cost $668,000.
Shannon McLeod of Commonwealth Engineering explained that although the current wastewater facility is only six years old, it is already operating at full capacity. The improvements there will increase the flow from .43 million gallons per day to .9 million gallons per day.
The council opted to undertake these projects after a utility master study assessing the existing water system and wastewater treatment facilities was completed.
The funding for the water project will be a grant/loan from Rural Development, while the wastewater project will be paid for with a Rural Development grant/loan and DOC grant money.
In conjunction with the grant applications, various paperwork was signed, including a resolution to adopt a civil rights policy to comply with DOC grant specifications.
Also, the council signed an accounting services agreement with Umbaugh & Associates for the water study grant and an agreement with Commonwealth for engineering services. Both were previously approved by council.
In other business, the council approved a software maintenance contract with Keystone Consulting and accepted a settlement of 35 cents on the dollar from a debt owed by Mallard Coach. The company owed the town $4,356.06 when it filed for bankruptcy. The council decided it would be better to receive a portion of what is owed rather than nothing.
Also, permission was given for the clerk-treasurer and deputy clerk to attend a seminar in Indianapolis in November. Hosted by Keystone, the session will review new laws that affect government entities. Cost is $25 per person.
Discussion about the $12,300 committed to the Lions Club new park project was tabled until the clerk can contact the State Board of Accounts. Garry Baker of the Lions Club questioned whether a portion of the money, from the streets and curbs fund, can be used to complete a land survey prior to installation of curbing there. Council members were unable to provide an answer and put the matter on hold.
The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 in the fire station meeting room.
