NORTH MANCHESTER - By refinancing storm water sewer bonds, the town of North Manchester may be able to save about $40,000.
Jeff Rowe, a representative from H. J. Umbaugh & Associates, addressed the North Manchester Town Council at its regular meeting Wednesday night, and told the council members that if they agree to a new debt service they could get a lower interest rate.
The town's current outstanding debt is about $847,432.50 and will be paid off in 2016.
With the new bond issue, the town's debt would be reduced to about $771,225.21.
A total of $76,207.29 would be saved over the length of the bond. Once costs and other fees are taken out of the gross savings, the net savings equals about $40,000.
Clerk-Treasurer Nancy Reed said the new bond order procedure is "fairly simple."
The council unanimously approved a motion to reservice the debt. The paperwork will be complete for the transfer in about 45 days.
Later, the first reading of a new town zoning map was approved with a few amendments.
Bernie Ferringer, building commissioner, presented the map to the town council, saying, "We put a lot of time into (the map and zoning ordinance). I think it's a good ordinance."
Ferringer explained a new zoning category: residential urban. The new category designates an area of older homes in North Manchester as single-family dwellings. Houses that have been converted and currently are multi-family dwellings will be allowed to stay that way. If a converted residence is vacant for one year, then it reverts back to a single-family dwelling status.
Council member Chris Garber suggested three changes to the map.
First, the map presented did not show the junior high school parking lot and the town's softball fields as public institution/professional zones. Ferringer said that was a mistake in color boundaries and it could be fixed easily.
Second, Garber suggested the boundary for multi-family high density housing move from an alley to Bond street.
The third change was making a general business area between Ind. 114 and the cemetery on Ind. 13. This was a "proactive" move, Garber said, to encourage business in the future.
The zoning ordinance and map with the amendments were approved 5-0 on the first reading. A revised map will be presented later to be voted on again.
Later in the meeting, Leesa Metzger of the America In Bloom Committee in North Manchester asked the council for permission to landscape around the town sign and put an America in Bloom symbol on the back of the sign. The council approved the motion with a 5-0 vote.
In other business, the council:
n Heard the new squad car for the police department is in and currently is being equipped.
n Heard the search for a new dispatcher has been narrowed to seven candidates. Background checks are being performed on the seven people and someone will be chosen for the position soon.
n Learned that Friday is Chris Harrison's last day with the department of public works. "He was a heck of an asset to the town. I hate to see him leave," said John Mugford, superintendent of public works.
n Heard a request from Mugford about doing a study to look into an increase in water rates. Mugford said they need operating balances and would like to see the increase come in small increments instead of all at one time.
n Learned that new street department employee Tom Brainard started working Wednesday. Brainard formerly was employed by the city of Wabash.
Manchester Town Council members are Don Rinearson, president; Stan Escott; Laura Rager; Diane Haupert and Chris Graber. Clerk-treasurer is Nancy Reed.
