Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MENTONE - Water problems were again a topic at the Mentone Town Council meeting Monday.
Richard Irons of East Jefferson Street told the council that the water coming into his house has low pressure and the water outside his house doesn't drain away as quickly as he thinks it should.
Irons also is concerned that he is being charged the new water rates when he wasn't included in the recent upgrade of the water system. The council explained that Irons' house was part of the previous water upgrade and such projects, whether a household is included or not, require the whole system to pay for them.
As far as the low pressure, part of the problem, according to utilities superintendent Brian Reed, could come from kids turning on the water spigots in the cemetery and leaving them run. Besides the cemetery, only Irons and one other household are on the line in question. The council asked for Reed to look into the cost of either replacing the 1-inch line with the same size, or possibly, a 2-inch line to improve the water pressure.
The drainage problem could be alleviated when the school completes its building project, since the water from that property is expected to be diverted another direction. Town officials said they are aware that the ground there tends to remain spongy, but that the drainage tile which draws water from Irons' property seems to be running well.
In other business, the council:
• Passed an ordinance transferring $20,000 from the local streets and roads fund to the general fund cash operating balance for the 1999 budget.
• Told Reed to send a follow-up letter to a recent telephone call to Roberts Construction concerning reseeding areas dug up during the water project. As yet, the company has not set a date for returning to town to complete the work.
• Reported that the parking problem brought up last month noting that there weren't enough spaces for customers because of employees parking in front of businesses was resolved "in a very positive manner" after a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce. "It speaks well for the business community," said councilman Forrest Kantner.
• Decided that some of the delinquent water accounts would be turned over for collection and others would have liens placed on properties. Some customers are targeted for shut-off since they haven't paid the past-due bills even after a delinquent notice was sent.
• Approved allocating up to $250 to the park for materials for running electricity to the pavilion. The wire will be run underground.
The next meeting is at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 in the town hall.
