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LEESBURG — The majority of the Leesburg Town Council meeting Monday was spent discussing the Community Amenities Program (CAP), a $5 million dollar grant initiative aimed at assisting with community projects that enhance quality of life.
Zach Dripps, director of operations and community development at Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG), Kosciusko County Coordinator Amy Roe and Chad Salzbrenner, senior project manager at Fleis and Vandenbrink, attended the meeting to talk with council about CAP being a possible grant opportunity for the town in their quest to extend their walking path project.
CAP was established through the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative and is being managed by the K21 Health Foundation as an investment to bring communities together through public amenities such as parks, walking/biking trails, community centers, sports facilities and swimming pools.
The grant through CAP is for up to $500,000 and is a one-to-one match.
Council has had an interest in extending a walking path down Old Ind. 15 to the school. There is some question as to whether having to go over the railroad tracks would be an issue. There has also been some discussion of a walking path near the ball fields.
Leesburg Street Commissioner Craig Charlton and Council Vice President Christina Archer will meet with Roe, Dripps and Salzbrenner to discuss details and determine possible next steps if the town decides to move forward with the grant application.
In another matter, Councilman Mitch Rader said he has spoken with residents who have requested that the town be more specific when sending refuse ordinance violation letters. Rader said several residents stated they are willing to bring their properties into compliance but are not clear on exactly what the issues are. Council agreed to make an effort to be more specific in addressing refuse ordinance violations.
In other news, the Leesburg Town Council meetings can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@LeesburgIndiana46538.
The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11.
