Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON – Pierceton Town Council heard from the Park and Recreation committee about updates to the parks during a council meeting Tuesday, June 9.
Carla Quintero, committee member, told the council about three quotes for signage at the parks. Altogether, the quotes total $557, and were approved.
She also received approval for a cleanup day on Sunday, June 28, and stated that Noah Shepherd, with the street department, will need to be involved. It will take place in the parks, along with cleaning up everything that needs done at the amphitheater. She also referenced several things falling down at the softball diamond and may possibly have a donor for repairs.
In other business, Chad Salzbrenner, with Fleis & Vandenbrink, brought two agreements to the council. One was a quote and agreement for the water audit, and the other was for plot and bidding information for the Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG) for the project.
The certified water audit is required every two years and needs to be submitted to the Indiana Water Authority by Aug. 1. Salzbrenner stated that the audit will cost $3,000. Council Vice President Matt Brubaker asked if this was something that was in the contract with Astbury, and the council members were not sure if it was or not. This, through the advice of town attorney Tammy Keirn, was approved subject to the contract with Astbury.
The second agreement related to the CCMG would be for the project for Catholic Street, then to First Street and then to Seventh Street. This application needed to be submitted by Sept. 1, with the application asking if they are “shovel ready.” Salzbrenner recommended approval of the agreement so the services would be ready by Sept. 1, stating that if they were not awarded the money this year, they can resubmit next year and still be “shovel ready.”
The lump sum fee for this would be $55,000 and was approved.
Reports
Town Marshal Phillip Hawks, in his report, noted that they are working on ordinances that will be submitted to the council at a later date. He also made a list of properties that needed to be cleaned up and gave them a 30-day notice, stating that he was happy with all the improvements that were happening. Hawks noted that they have also been looking into assistance for those that need it. He also said to the council that they haven’t had any “bites” on an ordinance officer as of yet.
Hawks also said the Pierceton Police Department did not receive the electric vehicle grant, and Hawks stated that “no other department I know of did either.” Other options for a vehicle will be explored.
The street department report, read by Town Council President Glenn Hall, reported:
• The lift station pump was repaired and installed on May 28. The second lift station pump will be installed this week, June 8.
• The fire hydrant on Seventh Street and Walnut Street will be installed this month.
• Mulching will begin at Brower Park.
• The four parking spots on Ind. 13 that needed to be removed were marked out.
• Shepherd is registered to start the Water Treatment Review course on July 30. Council Member Chauncey Smith asked why Ethan Yates has not also started, which the council answered it was because he did not have enough hours.
• The clarifier chain had broken and Astbury could fix it at their regular hourly rate, which was approved.
Town Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast reported:
• The roof repairs for the Senior Center building were approved, with $12,000 coming from the CPI fund, leaving $14,000 in that account. There was also a balance of $33,325 in the seated fund.
• A quote for service contract for the generators at the Community Building and sewer plant was approved for $1,784. This was for two years, but only for a year for the generator at the Community Building.
• Received conditional approval for a “read-only” report from Keystone Utility.
• In 2027, the terminal services agreement for the police department for the county will increase by 10%.
• There will be a community dinner during Pierceton Days Festival.
• Vicki Keller and Mast will be attending the State Board of Accounts school from July 13-16.
• The clerk’s office will be closed June 18 and 23 for training on the new billing software that will go live June 26. The bills for July will be from the old system.
The council also:
• Approved the Washington Township Park agreement where the council provides liability insurance, where Washington Township will pay $7,000. They also approved the Community Building Agreement, where Washington Township pays $16,000 for use of the Community Building on or before Dec. 1.
• Approved a quote for $1,493.28 from Astbury to fix the UV bulbs at the sewer plant.
• Approved to authorize Mast to set aside $2,500 for any maintenance issues that may happen in the interim of filling the town superintendent position. This is to help Astbury when they have any maintenance issues that may need to be fixed immediately and so Astbury does not have to wait for the approval.
• Approved Astbury to submit a monthly report of operation to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management online.
• Jen Sanchez wants to buy and rezone a part of the industrial park from Industrial to Commercial. The council approved sending a letter to the Area Plan Commission for their recommendation first before giving their approval.
• Sergio Melendez asked to vacate an easement to the west of his property, located at 7649 E. US 30, after having three surveys done with all different results. The council tabled this until they could receive more information from Melendez, along with any due diligence that needs to take place.
• Approved a pay increase for officer Dustin Baker after his graduation from the academy.
• Approved the installation of a meter for the fire department for the water audit, and they will have a meeting with the fire chief to ask about their water usage.
Upcoming Events
• An executive session is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17.
• The townwide garage sales are Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13.
• Annual spring trash pick-up day will be Saturday, June 20, with restrictions of no oil, paint, chemicals, tires, refrigerators or old box TVs.
• Pierceton Days will be July 17-18.
• Tomato Festival will be from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 22.
• The next council meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14.
