Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - As it begian to prepare its budget, the Syracuse Town Council grappled with the rising cost of health insurance for employees at its June 19 meeting in the Town Hall.
The town spends more than $26,000 each month to cover 37 employees and their families. That figure is expected to rise, but nobody knows how much. The town already is over budget in this area even though it budgeted a 20 percent increase.
Chris Cotton, of Cotton and Cotton Insurance, presented the board with alternate plans including those that will allow employees to put their money into an account from which expenses can be drawn. One plan allows the insured to accumulate insurance assets; another would return all unused money to the town. Other plans increase deductibles and lower coverage.
"What is for certain is that rates are not going down," Cotton said. "Changes need to be made."
Other budget considerations will be given to hiring a building inspector, at least on a part-time basis, to alleviate the problem of abandoned buildings.
The council will work on the town's budget July 11 and 12.
Safety of residents was another hot topic at the meeting.
Demolition of the collapsed building across from Town Hall is a priority as the council voted to notify the owner that demolition must begin by July 1 and be completed by July 15.
Several refrigerators with doors are sitting at curbside, posing a threat to children. The doors will be removed immediately, and the owners will be notified that there will be a $100 fine if the refrigerators are not removed within 10 days. Elsewhere washers, dryers and stoves also have been left outside. Owners of these unwanted appliances will be notified and fined.
Town manager Brian Redshaw was asked to find out why the sidewalks across the railroad tracks have not been installed.
"Our people should be safe in our town," said Carol Koble as the council agreed to increase lighting in municipal parking lots.
In other action, the board accepted a bid from Ameri-waste, which will furnish trash collection to the town as well as conduct the annual spring cleanup for about a dime per household more than the current contract, which does not include spring cleanup.
The board did not accept the option for curbside recycling but can add it later with a 60-day notice. Townspeople will be asked to complete a questionnaire about curbside recycling before the decision will be made.
The board gave its approval for the fire department to purchase a new pumper truck at a total cost of $250,000. The old truck is 40 years old. Cost for the truck will be shared with the township.
Fire Chief Larry Hunter also announced that he has received a $25,500 donation from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Laudeman to buy a defibrillator. Others wishing to donate to the fund may do so through a special account that has been set up.
Keeping the town looking neat was the aim of discussion about limiting signs and posters tacked to trees and utility poles or on sticks in the ground on public rights of way.
Everything from garage sale signs to how to lose weight is beginning to clutter the entire town.
Redshaw and police chief Tom Perzanowski will look into an ordinance that will address the issue. They also will contact the state to remove signs on Ind. 13.
Another thorn to citizens is the abundance of train whistles. Redshaw and town attorney Mike Reed are nearly ready with the train whistle ordinance, which will be filed before July 9.
In the report from the Parks Department, Michael Hixenbaugh announced that the bond for the community center was approved and the official groundbreaking will take place at 6:30 p.m. July 9.
He reported that the fountain by the Scout Cabin is being fixed and should be operational before the July Fourth festivities. He also reported that 23 trees have been planted in the town this spring.
Hixenbaugh reported that he may try a shuttle service to Lakeside Park for July Fourth festivities. Venture Scouts using vans from the Plymouth Blueberry Festival will assist him.
The council approved an $18,000 purchase by the Park Department for a truck to replace the "one that just died."
Kent Thielka reported for the Public Works Department that the new well was sunk 180 feet and is producing plenty of good clear water. Only one analysis still is outstanding. Once an affirmative report is received, the well will be operational.
Steven Hite, director of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, told the board that his group is bringing a circus to town July 24. Performances will be held in the old Liberty Home area west of Ind. 13.
On behalf of merchants, he asked the council to consider angle parking on Main Street to increase the number of parking places. The council denied the request because there isn't enough room for trucks to turn the corner.
The council once more discussed the parking ordinance for the two town lots, which will require permits for 24-hour parking. Juggling everyone's needs again delayed passage of the ordinance. Originally it was changed to clarify parking regulations and allow for snow removal.
The May Syracuse Police Department report shows that 23 criminals were arrested. Three were cited for driving while intoxicated, 46 traffic tickets were issued, 32 warnings given and four parking violations. The police answered 369 complaints and 80 offense reports. There were nine property damage accidents and one personal injury accident. The local department assisted the sheriff or state police 20 times and fire and ambulance runs six times. A total of 13 alarms and 60 courtesy calls were answered.
The Fire Department had 17 fire runs. The department also made 48 courtesy calls, 49 EMS calls, 29 in town and 20 in the township.
The dispatcher handled 2,836 calls - 2,189 for police help within the town and 98 in the county; 270 fire runs in the city and 267 in the township, as well as 12 calls for the street department.
The animal control officers responded to 54 calls.
