Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - Travis Marsh was sworn in as a town council member Tuesday night.
Marsh replaces former town council president Kay Andrews, who resigned and moved to Florida.
The council also elected Jon Sroufe to serve as president.
Utilities superintendent Dennis Reafsnyder has been looking into the purchase of video equipment to inspect sewer lines.
Several lines are in need of inspection. Cost to hire an outside firm to inspect the lines would cost $18,000.
Reafsnyder has looked at three cameras, ranging in price from $7,600 to $14,000.
Only one has been demonstrated so far and he asked the town council to table any action until he can arrange demonstrations of the other two cameras.
Reafsnyder also recommended changing parking from angle to parallel on Washington Street in front of Stimmelators and in front of Sue's Creations.
He said the change would improve visibility for drivers pulling onto Washington Street from alleys and would increase the usable portion of the street by seven feet.
Town Marshal Greg Church said when cars are angle-parked on both sides of the street, it makes it difficult for two cars traveling east and west to pass.
He said he received several complaints.
The change would eliminate three parking spaces in front of Stimelators and five in front of Sue's Creations.
The council tabled action on the change pending notification of the business owners.
Reafsnyder told the board he looked into the purchase of an airless striper, which could be used to paint the lines for parking spaces.
Cost was $1,800. The only other means for painting lines the town currently has is a 4-inch roller.
The council tabled a decision on the expenditure until its next meeting.
Reafsnyder also reported on his efforts to find a replacement for a 1978 International dump truck.
The town uses the truck to plow snow and spread sand and salt.
The best deal he's found so far is for a 2002 model with a plow included for $35,000.
The existing sand and salt spreader could be transfered to the new truck.
Reafsnyder said he will continue looking into the purchase.
Jay Clutter, owner of Joyland Mobile Home Park, requested the council make a decision regarding the sewer rates charged at his park.
He told the council he installed a flow meter at his expense on his property.
He recommended that the council take the highest flow month and make that the rate he would pay on a year-round basis.
Clutter's attorney, Rick Helm has threatened legal action on Clutter's behalf if the town does not adjust Clutter's sewer rates.
Clutter believes the campground's rate is excessive because the rate structure assumes each of 41 lots on the property is charged equivalent to a residence.
Helm said he is not sure his client's facility could legally be considered a mobile home park since it is not inhabited at least five months out of the year. It's more like a campground, Helm contends, and sewer rates should be set accordingly.
Clutter said the issue has dragged on for months and asked that the council make a decision regarding his rates.
Previously, the council experssed concern that to be fair, it would have to look at all sewer rates - not just Clutter's.
Town attorney Jack Birch contacted Umbaugh and Associates regarding the town's rate structure. Birch also researched state statutes governing rate structures.
Birch told the council they had all the information they were going to get regarding the rate issue.
The council decided to take another month to study the issue.
The council also:
• Heard the town park is now open on weekends. After Memorial Day, it will open through the week. The park also received approval for a $700 beach expansion project. Baker Backhoe Service will do the work.
• Donated an out-of-service police car to the town's volunteer fire department. The car will be used to travel to training and run errands.
• Announced that spring cleanup will be May 18 and 19. Residents are allowed to place unwanted items at the curb for pickup. No batteries, tires, air conditioners or refrigerators will be picked up.
• Agreed to draft a letter of non-objection for Carole Shelby, who is planning a 244-square-foot addition to a barber shop. Shelby will take the letter to her zoning hearing.
• Approved $99 for town clerk Betsy Luce to attend a clerk's school and budget training session May 24 and 25.
