NORTH MANCHESTER - Wessler & Associates presented information about changes to a sewer project and a possible storm water project in North Manchester.
Wednesday night at its regular meeting, the North Manchester Town Council heard proposals from Marty Wessler, engineer for Wessler & Associates.First, Wessler informed the board about changes that could be made to the sewer plant, including replacing covers on two digesters at the plant as well as installing a new boiler/heat exchange unit. The old boiler was installed in 1966.
The changes proposed for the sewer plant are all things that will be necessary in the near future, and the town will be applying for a $1 million grant to pay for the changes.
Wednesday, the council approved a motion to spend $63,000 to pay the engineering fees for the planning phase of the project. If the town does not receive the grant, the plans can be held for several years with minimal changes.
Wessler then explained that the town also plans to apply for a $1 million grant that would fund a storm water project. The storm sewer project is part of the town's long-term improvement plan for the sewer system, but it originally was supposed to be the fourth phase of the plan. However, if the town receives the grant, the project will be started sooner.
In other business, the council:
n Approved a motion to become part of a tax increment financing district with Wabash County and the city of Wabash. Synergy Metronet plans to put fiber optic cable in both North Manchester and Wabash as well as parts of the county. North Manchester approved a motion to allow the Economic Resolution Committee of Wabash to act on behalf of the town until the project is finished.
n Heard that all the building owners originally interested in participating in the facade construction grant have agreed to move forward on the project if the grant is received. If the town receives the grant to revitalize the downtown area in the first round of funding, the project can begin in the fall. If they are funded in the second round, the projects could begin in the spring.
North Manchester Town Council members are Chris Rager, president; Laura Rager, James Smith, Diane Haupert and Thomas Dale. Town clerk is Carrie Mugford.
