WINONA LAKE – Ward 1 councilman Philip Hood read a letter to Winona Lake Town Council Tuesday stating he will be resigning effective April 30 to take a job in Florida. “This was a tough decision to leave family, friends and the wonderful town we share. I would like to thank everyone for their votes, support and advice,” Hood said. Bruce Shaffner, council president, thanked Hood for his service to the town. “We will miss you. You have been a great addition to the council,” Shaffner said. A caucus of eligible Kosciusko County Republican precinct committeemen will be May 12 at 7 p.m. in the Winona Lake Town Council chambers, Winona Lake Town Hall, 1310 Park Ave., for the purpose of filling the remainder of Hood’s term. Council also wants to make sure the town’s streets are safe for skateboarders, motorists and pedestrians. The council discussed during its meeting an ordinance that would prohibit skateboards in the town on streets where skateboarding is dangerous and impedes traffic. Paul Schmitt, town marshal, presented the council with an example of the ordinance and said there has been an issue with skateboarders going down the hills on 9th, 7th and Chestnut streets causing a safety problem. Schmitt said there also is a problem with skateboarders using Park Avenue. Schmitt will work with Jim Walmer, town attorney, on an ordinance with input from the council that will be reviewed again during the council’s May 20 meeting. Schmitt said the only area where he would recommend restricting skateboards is in the street, not on sidewalks or the greenway. “What we want to accomplish is prohibiting skateboards from areas in the town where it is dangerous,” Schmitt said. “The skateboarders get in groups, send someone down the hill and sometimes go through stop signs.” Terry Howie, councilman, requested the town not restrict skateboards in Stonehenge Addition. He said there has been a girl in Heritage Lake that has in-line skates and rides on the streets for exercise and on Southtown Streets that are wider. Schmitt said the town could designate areas where skateboarding would not be allowed. “It’s the hills where there are problems,” Schmitt said. Craig Allebach, town coordinator, said rollerskates and in-line skates are not as critical of an issue as skateboards. “The problem is with skateboarders if they fall off there is the possibility of a projectile issue of the person coming off the skateboard,” Allebach said. Schmitt said with in-line skates and roller skates, people are able to stop more easily than those using skateboards. Jill Serbousek, Winona Lake resident, suggested the town consider not including longboards, a longer version of a skateboard, in the prohibition. Also during the meeting, Pete O’Connell, street superintendent, said leaf pick up begins Thursday and will continue until May 2 in the town. The council approved seeking bids to purchase a new mower with a cost up to $9,000. Kent Adams, clerk-treasurer, informed the council the clerk’s office will meet with department heads in May to discuss the 2015 budget. The council approved a $52,992 contract with Niblock for milling and resurfacing the Winona Lake island at the bridge. Upcoming events include the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Winona Lake Park Saturday, with hunt times for ages infant to 2 at 10 a.m.; ages 3 to 5 at 10:20 a.m.; and ages 6 to 10 at 10:40 a.m. An Adventure Race at Winona Lake Park is April 26 at 10 a.m.; Joe’s Kids 5K Splatter Dash in Winona Lake Park is May 3 at 10 a.m.; Grace College commencement is May 10 at 9 a.m.; and the Fat & Skinny Tire Festival is May 16 to 18.
