CLAYPOOL - Because of the vast amount of rain, a bill for more than $7,000 was brought before the Claypool City Council Monday to pay for the water that had to be cleared out of the town.
A few council members noted this happened last year as well, but they were reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The council is planning on contacting FEMA this year as well.
While a vast amount of rain caused the floods, the council noted the problem might also be sump pumps that are connected into the sanitary sewer instead of the storm drains.
"Our pumps will only handle so much, our permit will only tell us that we're allowed to pump so many gallons a day, and that's for wastewater only, not storm water," said Claypool Town Superintendent Gene Warner. "Storm water has to go into the storm drains. If it can't keep up it, if it has to go out into the yard, then it has to go out into the yard but it cannot go in the sanitary sewer."
The members are considering sending out letters and conducting an inspection to see whose sump pump is connected to the sewer drain.
The town is looking for local residents who would be interested in volunteering for a census committee. The town needs three or four volunteers to help hand out information and assist with census data collection. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the town clerk.
The town council approved a bill of $2,645 for the construction of the new town marshal's office, which turned out to be less than the estimated cost. The number for the office is 574-566-2912.
Gene Warner is waiting to hear back from an insurance company about the cost for a new roof on the well house. The roof was ripped off during a wind storm and is now being held down with cement blocks. The estimated amount was $1,863.87. The board agreed if their insurance company will pay the total cost, then they will go ahead and construct the new roof. If the insurance does not agree to pay the full price, they will discuss the issue again.
As of Monday, Claypool had not received any word from the Indiana Department of Transportation about opening the crossing at Harrison Street.
The issue of a town cleanup was brought forth by Jannet Warren. The board needs to make arrangements by calling Veolia Environmental Services, Claypool's contracted trash service, to find out which days are best and what items will and will not be accepted.
The next town council meeting will be April 20 at 7 p.m.
