MENTONE - Clerk-Treasurer Barb Ross told the Mentone Town Board she received a letter from Norfolk Southern Railroad stating the town owed them a one-time $5,000 payment because town sewer lines run under railroad tracks.
Board member Jack Simpson said the board shouldn't pay the fee because a state Supreme Court decision affirmed that as long as utilities weren't in the way of the business they couldn't be charged.Town attorney Larry Beeson said that in the railroad's letter they argue that the court's decision didn't apply in this case.
"This is intimidation," said Simpson.
The discussion was held over until the town board's next meeting.
Ross told the board she received a letter from Verizon concerning the company's plans to build a cell phone tower.
The board approved Mentone Town Marshal Jim Eads' request to purchase a radio for a vehicle and another gun.
The board also approved the purchase of training and duty ammo for the police department totaling $613.
Eads also gave the board information on possibly trading in officer Terry Engstrand's vehicle. Eads said a USDA grant was available to cover 15 percent of the cost.
The board approved advertising the discussion of getting a new vehicle at the next board meeting. One of the grant requirements is that an advertisement for the discussion of a purchase must appear.
While discussing old business, Eric Carlin, utilities superintendent, asked the board to consider selling the town's backhoe.
The board decided to accept a $1,200 bid for the machine from Wes Backus, who will have until Friday to pay for it.
Eads gave the board an update on its upcoming e-ticket system and stated that training would take place and software would be installed Dec. 4.
The board also approved the minutes from the last meeting.
