Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
BOURBON - Police Chief John West denied Tuesday that his department is running a speed trap in this eastern Marshall County town.
Bourbon Town Council members Larry Wattenbarger and Ken Keller Sr. both said many residents have complained that police are using excessive vigilance when enforcing speed limits in town.
West said his records show that the speed limit is exceeded an average of 18.6 miles per hour by those arrested, and he claimed his department "lets more (motorists) go than we cite."
The monthly reports of the department show 38 traffic arrests in April, 33 in May and 59 in June. Those same months show verbal and written warnings given as 52 in April, 68 in May and 63 in June.
"We'll enforce whatever the limits are," West said. "It doesn't make us any difference."
West was the successful bidder at $11,500 for a 1995 Ford police car, which was auctioned prior to the meeting. The auction, conducted by Wattenbarger, had several bidders.
West said he applied for a Federal Block Grant of $10,000 to purchase three video cameras for the squad cars. He said the cameras will record speeds driven as well as the operators of vehicles.
In other matters:
• Clerk Jackie Murphy presented a contract with the law firm of Kizer and Neu, Plymouth, for legal work on the $260,000 bond issue to be used for the restoration of the town hall building.
A resolution was passed to establish a committee to set a common construction wage for workers on the project. The panel will consist of one member from labor, one local taxpayer and one person to be appointed by the governor. The committee will meet with representatives of labor unions and local contractors to agree on wages.
• The council passed on first reading and took under advisement the new state Procurement Law, which went into effect July 1. Members received copies of the law and accompanying ordinances and will study them for final action at the next meeting. Town attorney Mark Wagner explained the new law saying "the concept is to try to control the purchasing process a little better." Murphy said that in her more than two years as clerk she doesn't believe unauthorized purchasing is a problem in town departments.
• Consulting Engineer Terry Baugher shared drawings of three intersections to be widened for a better turning radius of large trucks and school busses. He got cost estimates from Reith-Riley Construction Co., the firm set to begin the reconstruction of Main St. (Ind. 331) and said that, in his opinion, the costs were "all on the high side." Council president Bill Keyser agreed and asked that Baugher get estimates from other companies.
• Jim Baker of Bourbon was awarded the job of painting the interior of the water plant for $3,475.
• Utilities superintendent Marty Martin said the neighbors of the new Christian School on North Main Street were cooperative and patient waiting for their property to be repaired after it was dug up for utility easements for the project in April.
However, one resident said a part of his work was done, but the soil used for fill was filled with rocks and grass seed was used very sparingly.
Martin said both the contractor and sub-contractors blame each other for the work not being done. Council members told Martin to contact the contractor and inform him that, weather permitting, the town will do the work and bill the contractor if there is no action on his part by Monday.
