Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON - Mandy Espinoza was sworn in as a town council member Monday, filling a seat vacated by Terry Hill last month. Espinoza joins Jerry Kreger and Robert Tenney. He was appointed Feb. 4 by County Democrat chairman Steve Haines.
Jim Bumbaugh approached the board regarding vehicles traveling too quickly in the alley near his house, between First and Third Streets. He said drivers were using the alley as a shortcut and reaching speeds of 30 miles per hour.
"My garage is only 24 inches from the alley and I'm afraid some child is going to round the corner and be hit," Bumbaugh said. He asked if the alley could be vacated or if speed bumps or a barricade could be installed. "They're trying to widen the alley, too, and using my yard to do it. I know I'm not in contention for the yard of the year, but. ..."
The council asked public works superintendent Chip Hill to work with Bumbaugh on a solution to slow down traffic through the alley.
The council introduced Ordinance 2005-01-01, banning all skateboards, in-line skates and bicycles on the business district sidewalks. The ordinance will be read for a final time at the March 14 meeting.
A noon siren will be sounded again when modifications are made to the "storm siren" by J & K Communication, Columbia City. Fire department chief Gordon Baker said a timer, costing $700, will have to be installed, which was approved by the board.
Also approved was the purchase of vinyl trim along the floor of the fire stations. Materials will cost $100 and fire department members will install the trim.
The board approved installation of new electrical boxes along the ceiling in the bays. The boxes will power drop charger cords.
Baker gave several quotes for an additional storage compartment on the town-owned Engine 802. Costs were given as $5,000 from 10-70 Supply; $3,000 from Warsaw Fabricating and $2,780 from Quality Welding. The item was tabled.
Town marshal Tim Sammons said he will apply for grant monies to install mobile data terminals in the squad cars. He said the units will allow officers to check a driver's license and vehicle registration would show any outstanding warrants.
Sammons also said department uniforms will have new shoulder patches, indicating the town was established in 1866.
The board also:
• Heard the fire department has had 44 runs to date.
• A first Responder Course will begin in March. For more information, call the fire station at 574-594-2132.
• An employee meeting was set for Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.
• Heard the squad car purchased in 1996 was non-operational. Sammons was advised a discussion about a new squad car, to replace the 1996 model, would be had at the upcoming employee's meeting.
• Thanked Herman Tool for the donation of holiday decorations.
• Heard from Pierceton Days organizer Kim Rose that: the event's theme this year is "Celebrating Pierceton Pride;" the local Boy and Cub Scout Troops will be grand marshals to observe the Boy Scouts of America's 75th Anniversary. Rose can be reached at 574-594-5913 for comments or suggestions about the annual festival.
• Approved a resolution to pay an employee the medical savings account contribution equivalent, because they are ineligible for the town's insurance coverage.
