Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SIDNEY - A concerned resident provided photos of a camper that has been set up in the alley behind his home, including a photo that showed several milk jugs full of urine, to the Sidney Town Council Monday.
Harold Lent provided photos of a camper that has been set up in the alley near his home. He said there is a family with two parents, two kids and three large dogs living in the camper.
He showed sympathy for the family, saying he did not know if they were living this way because of difficult financial circumstances or not, but he was concerned about the health risks to himself, his neighbors and the family themselves.
After urging from Councilwoman Sharon Rancourt, Council President Gavin Parrett agreed to call the health department about the issue the following day.
Updates to park project
Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe shared they are still waiting to hear from The Dekko Foundation regarding their grant application.
In the meantime, Roe met with a representative from the K21 Health Foundation. K21 is very interested in funding the park project but will require a plan to be submitted with the application.
Benjamin England’s property has been transferred to the town of Sidney for the park project.
There was also an odd bit of land that stuck off of the property, which belonged to the Kosciusko County Commissioners. The commissioners will be transferring this property to the town as well.
The land England donated has two rights-of-way that run through it. Roe recommended issuing a vacation order on these sections of road, so they do not run through the park.
Councilwomen Rebecca Adams and Rancourt did not want to make a decision pursuing possible vacation without thinking about it more. This worried Roe, as the final deadline for the K21 grant is the end of June, and this is an important decision when deciding the plan for the park. This will be decided at the next Sidney Town Council meeting May 11.
Roe also brought up the idea of a park committee. Having a park committee is outlined in the Sidney Strategic Plan, and park committees typically have three to five members.
Other Business
The council approved for Joe Calhoun, with the town maintenance department, to spend up to $1,000 to repair the bench and redo the alleyways near Jackson and Monroe streets. Rick Bradley, whose property borders these alleyways, has come to several council meetings requesting repairs to these alleys and was excited they were approved.
Kara Calhoun expressed concern about the 15-minute parking sign in front of her antique store. The council told her they were informed they are unable to do anything about it because it was an Ind. 14 issue. The council is completing a ticket with the state, so her location is not singled out, as it currently is.
Calhoun provided two quotes for sidewalk repairs.
