Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
LEESBURG - Leesburg Town Council has opted out, for now, of submitting a letter of intent for the Community Amenity Program (CAP).
Instead of pursuing a trail project, the town will work with the township on a sidewalk project.
The decision was made at the council’s monthly meeting Monday, Feb. 9.
Christina Archer, town council president, said, “As everyone is aware, I think, the biggest issue that we have had is Leesburg does need sidewalks.” She noted that because of how the grants are structured, sidewalks must lead to a destination.
“To try to figure out how that works for the town of Leesburg has been a major challenge, which is why we had no reply at the end of January,” Archer said.
Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe spoke about the CAP initiative and the need to submit a letter of intent in the next few weeks. She explained the letter is simply a project proposal and not an obligation. CAP funds would be a matching grant, with $500,000 from CAP and a $500,000 match from the town.
Archer said the council’s current feeling is that it cannot reach an agreement with Maple Leaf to build a sidewalk along the edge of its property.
Craig Charlton, township trustee, said at this point the grant phase is “absolutely more than we actually need.” He said $100,000 is available and, if matching funds can be found, it would avoid tapping into the larger $1.5 million amount, which he said is more than necessary.
“We don’t need that much. We need sidewalks. We don’t need a trail anywhere. We need sidewalks,” Charlton said.
As the weather improves, the township will begin measurements, develop firm numbers and seek quotes. By the end of the year, $100,000 will be available, with the possibility of directing more from the highway fund.
Archer said the town previously explored a project involving the school, but it was not feasible due to state laws, which led to the alternate plan.
“I really don’t think, at least at this time, this is going to be a feasible plan either,” she said. “We’ve had some discussions on this. At this time, I think it’s going to be in our best interest to work with the town of Leesburg and the township to come up with what we need right now — which is not to say at some future time we might do something. We’re going to try to meet the needs we have for the immediate future.”
It was noted grants are available when a new street is built, curbs are installed with it, but the town is not looking to replace its brick streets. There is limited grant funding available strictly for sidewalk projects.
Roe said other towns have revised their original letters of intent and sought exceptions. After brief discussion, the council chose not to be removed from the interested list in case other project options arise.
Mitch Rader, council vice president, said the council has identified a way to complete a previously planned sidewalk project on Prairie Street. He said it could be handled similarly to the West Van Buren Street project using local contractors without engineering services.
“I really think we’ll go that direction,” Rader said.
Concluding the discussion, Archer said she believes the decision is the best one for Leesburg at this time.
Roe will keep the town on the list of potential grant users. Final applications are due June 30. She noted other communities have expressed interest in any unused funds. CAP wants “everyone to have a bite of the apple that wants a bite,” she said.
During other business, Rader received approval to investigate applying for the next Community Crossings Matching Grant for paving the town’s two highest-traffic areas - Old Ind. 15 and School Street.
Charlton, who also serves as town street commissioner, reported all town equipment is in good working order. Three parking warnings were issued, with no violations recorded for parking on streets between 3-5 a.m.
He updated the council on a streetlight at 109 W. Van Buren St. that fell due to corrosion at the base. A replacement will be ordered. Another light with broken underground wiring will be repaired later.
Additionally, no-parking signs will be installed at the west ends of Van Buren and Prairie streets, and curb work on Jefferson and Pearl streets will be completed this year.
Residents were reminded that leaf collection has ended for the season and leaves should be placed in the trash.
Additional reminders included placing yard waste in town-provided trash totes, maintaining sidewalks and trees adjacent to their properties, and keeping sidewalks clear of obstructions, including snow and ice. Violations may result in penalties.
Officials also reminded residents that street parking is prohibited between 3 and 5 a.m. seven days a week, open burning is not allowed in town and residents should be mindful of what they flush.
It was noted Councilman Tom Moore's absence was due to recovering from recent back surgery.
The next council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 9.
Leesburg Town Council meetings can be viewed online at youtube.com/@LeesburgIndiana46538.
