Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MENTONE - Instead of purchasing a new dump truck, the Mentone Town Board Monday advised utilities superintendent Brian Reed to get quotes for a pickup.
Reed presented the board with a quote from Lakeside Chevrolet for a new dump truck for an estimated $40,000. He said the truck is similar to what the department had in the past and is a 2006 model.
Jack Simpson, town board member, asked if they really needed a new dump truck. He suggested keeping the old dump truck and replacing the department's old pickup with a new pickup instead. Reed said that was possible and he could get quotes. However, if the town wants to encumber money from this year and use some of next year's money on the purchase, a decision will have to be reached by the December meeting.
At a future date, Reed also told the board they will have to make a decision on whether to hire an inspector to look at the town's water tower, who that will be and how much they can afford. The water tower needs an epoxy, which is a hard coating inside of the water tower. The inspector also may recommend a company to do the epoxy work.
"Everyone's going to epoxy," Reed said. Cost for an inspector could be about $2,200 and the work itself may be about $30,000.
The work will not begin until at least the spring, Reed said after the meeting.
In other business, the town board:
• Discussed a shed built by Reuben Wilson III that was put up on Wilson's property without a permit. Town attorney Larry Beeson will notify Wilson of the ordinance violation and request the shed be taken down or be fined daily.
• Heard from street superintendent Darrel Miller that leaf pick-up is in full swing. "We're pretty busy with that," he reported.
• Approved for Miller and Reed to attend a conference Dec. 5-7 in Columbus, Ind.
• Heard from Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District Director Sue Studebaker. She thanked the town and the street department for their help in moving the recycling stations to their new location on the lot of the former Frank & Jerri's store. "It's really and truly appreciated," she said.
Town board members present included Simpson and Tim Croy. Board President Mark Hughes was absent. The board meets regularly on the first Monday of every month, except on holidays.
