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SOUTH WHITLEY – At Tuesday night's meeting, the South Whitley Town Council heard updates from Clerk-Treasurer Alyssa Knepple on the Park Board's future plans including a cleanup day, park improvements and a Fourth of July block party next year.
Park cleanup day will be on Oct. 26 starting at 11:30 a.m., and the local cleanup crew will be featured on CNN for the network's Call to Earth Day on Nov. 6, said Knepple.
Park improvements include repairs to the town park's basketball courts and the installation of an accessible swing.
The Park Board has begun plans for a Fourth of July block party in 2026 with food trucks, games, live music, a 50-50 raffle and fireworks.
In other business, council voted to write off outstanding balances for deceased customers' utility accounts.
Utilities Superintendent Kent Slater provided a project update for the work on Mulberry Street. The crews are paving toward North Maple and should be done by the second week of November.
Town Marshal Chad Schipper said he is in the process of hiring an individual for part-time work while one of the department's full-time officers is out for several months for a hip replacement. The applicant is a firefighter, Schipper said, and ideal for the position.
Town attorney Gregg Hockemeyer said he looked into the town's records for the last electric rate change. While the town has added fees and tracking charges, Hockemeyer said the rate for the electric utility has not changed in at least 40 years.
In public comment, Karen Jordan asked about trash in a resident's backyard and suggested the Park Board research projects with a focus on the riverfront since there are many kayakers on the Eel River.
Council will next meet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28.
