Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - The plan commission received preliminary plans for the extension of sewer service into South Town Tuesday.
Town engineer Larry Long told the commission the project would have an estimated total cost between $170,000 and $200,000, and recommended it be done in three stages.
The first phase would be a gravity feed line to extend south from Boys City Drive 1,600 feet, culminating at a manhole. Phase 1 would cost approximately $37,000, Long said.
The second phase, with an estimated cost of $ 98,000, would be the construction of a pump station and force main between the Phase 1 endpoint and Roy Street.
The third stage would be the construction of a gravity feed line running parallel to the forced main. It carries an estimated cost of $35,000.
Commissioner Mark Workman said he was concerned about the cost, the fact that so few homes would be served through the proposed route and that Winona Lake doesn't have the capability to treat its own sewage. He suggested, instead, that the cost be determined for extending the sewer line from Warsaw's line on the west side of Winona Lake to South Town.
"It doesn't seem feasible for us to build our own (sewage treatment) plant. I think it's better to help Warsaw build a new sewer plant and let them treat our sewage," he said. "I would rather see a cooperative effort than trying to do it all ourselves."
The commission will attempt to schedule a July meeting with Warsaw officials to discuss that proposal.
In other business, the commission authorized town attorney Jim Walmer to draft a restrictive deed for Jerry Smith, owner of the Smith Mobile Home Park, 2308 E. Winona Ave. The town is considering rezoning the property from commercial to residential zoning.
"The proposed deed from Mr. Smith would allow for service businesses, but it opens the door to massage parlors or modeling studios, or some other businesses we wouldn't want there," Walmer said.
The commission also accepted a roster of residents on CR 250E from commissioner Lynette Dick. The commission needed the roster to begin the process of acquiring an additional 10 feet of right-of-way for the expansion of the road to two lanes and a turn lane.
Brent Wilcoxson, commissioner and town board president, said he's confident acquiring the additional right-of-way would not meet with significant opposition.
"Of the 32 properties listed, I know roughly half are 90 percent sure to grant us a right-of-way. I'm not sure of the other 16, though," he said.
The commission will forward the property roster to the Bonar Consulting Group, the contractor, to send out letter to the property owners.
