MENTONE – Mentone Town Council approved Monday seeking bids to replace water lines along Morgan Street on the north side of town. Town Engineer Jim Emmans told council he wants to replace about 1,000 feet of pipe with a six-inch water main in order to increase flow capacity. He said it should make a noticeable difference for the three homes and one business along the line. “If they’re all taking showers at one time, I’m sure they know it,” he remarked. He said he doesn’t expect the work to require new easements, and that the work will be minor enough to only need three quotes. Council will look at bids at their April meeting. Council also tabled a request from Marshal Jim Eads to hire a fourth reserve officer to make up for decreased coverage of town. He said the department already has most of what the new reserve would need equipment-wise, and the benefits would outweigh the costs of needed gear. But council members expressed reservations over the potential cost. Councilwoman Jill Gross said she would support adding a reserve officer if she thought there wouldn’t be any more expense for the town. Other council members agreed that they’d like time to think about it. Eads also reported that the town will need to ensure it has a secure connection before it can use the new countywide communication system. Council will look at computer firewall plans again after learning if fire and EMS, which will also use the new system, will be able to help cover costs. And council approved $7,748 for a 60-inch lawnmower and bagger at the request of Utilities Superintendent Josh Shepherd. Shepherd said the 72-inch mower is too large for many purposes. The 72-inch mower has a $5,000 trade-in value, which saves the town from the $12,000 total of the purchase. The purchase gives Mentone a fleet of three 60-inch mowers. Shepherd also requested $1,000 for excavation and installation of two yard hydrants at the town garden. Council members approved, noting that more residents may use the garden if water is more readily available. And they agreed to have town attorney Larry Beeson attend only every other meeting, which should reduce the fee Mentone pays him. Gross said they can re-evaluate the decision after noting how many times in the year they need to consult Beeson.
