Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN - There's something fishy going on in Etna Green ... and apparently something a little stinky and greasy, too.
Bob Haines of the Etna Green Fire Department addressed the council Tuesday regarding an upcoming fish fry and the fact that the town doesn't want the fish cooked in the park building as has been done in the past.
The town recently paid $2,400 to have the building cleaned and repainted. Town officials say a fish fry tends to leave a lingering odor as well as a grease coating in the building. The smell remains in the building for several weeks after a fish fry and makes for difficult working conditions for town employees using the shop area located in the building.
To rectify the matter, council president Andy Cook cast out a few options.
The first, to cook the fish outside, was rejected hook, line and sinker by Haines, who said that would be considered unsanitary. Cook did get a nibble, though, on the possibility of using an adjacent building where trucks are stored for running the fryers.
Haines will present the idea to fire officials and let town employees know the department's decision as soon as possible, because the move would require some rewiring to accommodate the fryers. The next fish fry will be April 25 at the park.
In other business, a representative of Beauchamp & McSpadden answered questions regarding "mechanical breakdown" insurance on equipment at the sewer plant.
Bev Dye said that this insurance would cover aspects unlikely to be covered under regular insurance, including ammonia contamination, water damage and business interruption. The $648-per-year policy would have $250 deductible.
Officials will evaluate the past two to three years of breakdowns at the sewer plant and determine whether the insurance will be economically feasible before making a decision.
In other matters, the council:
• Appointed an advisory board for distribution of funds from Kosciusko County Foundation. It comprises Andy Cook, Garry Baker and Deb White. The money is available for the Remembrance Park project and other projects in town.
• Decided to look into deadbolts and/or a new door frame on the concession stand at the park. The door has been kicked in several times.
• Approved allowing clerk-treasurer Laura Baker to attend a three-day State Board of Accounts meeting next week in French Lick and an SBA school June 11-12.
• Asked street superintendent Barry Baker to get quotes for street repairs to be done this year. A decision on which roads in town will be patched or paved is expected at the May meeting.
• Discussed problems with semis parking on town property. Copies of ordinances pertaining to this matter will be placed under the windshield wipers of the offending rigs.
• Set spring cleanup for May 7 and May 14. These are regular trash days on which large items also will be hauled away.
The next meeting is at 6 p.m. May 12 in the fire station meeting room.
