Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
CLAYPOOL - Debra Stiles has been named postmaster for Claypool. Her installation ceremonies will be Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the post office. The appointment was announced by town clerk Shelly Thomas during Monday's town council meeting.
Stiles has been acting postmaster since the retirement of Marie Henderson Dec. 31.
Council members Niki Lincoln and Larry Neher approved legal action against AmWest Surety Insurance Co., based in California. AmWest is the bonding company for New Beginnings subdivision and work there has not been completed, according to Bob Murphy of R.P. Murphy and Associates Inc., who read an advisory letter from town attorney Mike Reed.
The bonding company ensures work is 100 percent complete. Storm drain work is not finished nor is paving on CR 700N, Murphy said.
Murphy also suggested tax increment financing funds be used to spruce up a building on the east side of Section Street across from the fire station. He said the building owners could apply for a zero interest loan to make repairs and/or remodel.
• Heard mobile homes could be moved into the town.
• Heard GTE will pay for repairs to a sewer line phone company employees cut through recently to install cable.
• Heard from Gene Warner, town superintendent, regarding the state permit for town office- garage in the preconstruction phase. The state permit has been received.
Thomas will apply for a county permit so construction can begin.
• Heard from Warner that the deed to the elevator was sent to Conrail offices. During the railroad's merger, offices and titles were switched and the deed was lost in the shuffle.
In February 1999 a Conrail representative proposed tearing down the abandoned elevator, installing gates and lights at certain crossings and closing four of the nine crossings in town.
The town agreed to this proposal 18 months ago. Work to remove the elevator has not begun.
• Heard that specifications and a bidding schedule will be set to purchase water improvement equipment with Build Indiana funds.
Budget meetings were set for Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. for the first public hearing and during the regular meeting Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. for the second public hearing.
Town council members are Don Miller, Niki Lincoln and Larry Neher. The council meets in the fire station the third Monday of each month.
