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PIERCETON - If an "art fair" is being held in town next month, town council members have only heard rumors about the event.
"No one has contacted the town. No one has approached the council," said board president Jerry Kreger Monday. "It would be kind of nice to know when and where the art fair will be; if there is liability insurance."
There are two parks in town. Brower Park is along the railroad tracks and has a pavilion owned and maintained by the Lion's Club. The town park is west of South 7th Street. There are no rental fees to use the town park, but groups are expected to reserve the park pavilion.
Councilman Bob Tenney said a church pastor called him at home and asked to use the Lions' Club pavilion. Tenney told him it would be OK to have a gospel sing and give away hot dogs and soft drinks.
Clerk Janet Castle said the same individual already asked her to use the Lions Club pavilion and she told him to reserve the town park. The man then called Tenney.
"We have to be concerned about liability insurance," Kreger said. "We just ask that it be reserved so we know what's going on. If a 'bad' hot dog is served, who will be sued? The town."
Pam Kennedy presented the board with a couple of creative ways to improve two houses. The Housing Opportunities of Warsaw director said one owner-occupied house needs $30,000 in repairs, which includes lead paint removal. State housing authority grants are limited to $15,000 in repairs per house.
Lead paint also was found in a second house.
In many cases, interior lead paint can be sealed off with a coat of acrylic or with vinyl siding, if the paint is outside.
Kennedy said the town has $13,947 in a housing account and those funds, which both homeowners must repay, are available to make improvements.
She said Grace College students would work on both houses for free during a college-sponsored "Day of Sharing" in August.
The board also:
• Heard a countywide housing needs assessment would begin in August. Surveys will be set up in fire stations.
• Heard a new squad car has been ordered and should be in town by the end of June.
• Approved three sidewalk projects. The town sets aside $3,500 each year to buy sidewalk concrete. Homeowners pay for the labor to install the new walks.
Residents can apply for the sidewalk funds by submitting a sketch of the project.
Town council members are Jerry Kreger, Bob Tenney and Mandy Espinoza.
