According to James W. Emans, civil engineer and land surveyor with Emans Engineering, Bremen, the stormwater project in Mentone is going as planned.
Emans told the town council Monday night that the design for the north interceptor is complete. The bid opening will be Feb. 24, but a pre-bid meeting for any contractor interested is Friday at 10 a.m.
Emans said they have the permits from the state highway department to go under Ind. 19.
He is working with County Surveyor Dick Kemper to go under the railroad, but that wasn't a concern as the town has every right to be there. There probably won't be any digging under the railroad for six to eight weeks.
His one concern was getting easements. Emans said there are three partials with two different owners. The town needs those easements for release of the grant funds for the project, but a property goes on sale this week.
Town attorney Larry Beeson came into the meeting a little later. He said one of the property owners got back to him, and he had an appointment with Lake City Bank today to get the other easement taken care of before the property sale.
Most of the project focuses on getting pipe up to the north end of Mentone.
"My estimate is right at the grant amount. I hope I'm high," Emans said.
Soil borings were ordered, but were unable to be completed before the snow hit, Emans said.
The town council could take action on the bids as early as its March meeting, Emans said. If the council didn't award it then, they could do it in April or have a special meeting in March to award the project contract.
"My goal is to have it all ready for you by the March meeting," Emans said.
In other business, the council:
- Approved to renew its Indiana Chamber of Commerce membership for $350.
- Approved a request from Clerk-Treasurer Barb Ross to codify the town's ordinances for $500 to $1,000.
- Heard a reminder from Ross that when town employees use town credit cards for purchases that they should take a look at their receipts. Town purchases are tax exempt, but there have been some purchases where taxes were charged.
- Heard a request from Utilities Superintendent Eric Carlin for people to shovel snow from around fire hydrants if they're on their property. If a person is unable to do so, they can contact the town and town employees will dig the hydrant out.
Tim Croy, council president, said, "With that said, you guys did a really good job with the snow. We do appreciate it."
- Heard from Town Marshal Jim Eads that the police department received a KCODE grant for $1,300 for equipment for police vehicles. He said the department was awarded that grant in January.
