Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SOUTH WHITLEY - The town had a costly first week of the new year with many hours logged by employees tending to snow removal, according to town clerk Mitch Winger at Tuesday's town council meeting.
A water main that broke twice on Market Street at Randolph Street, resulting in floods in nearby residential basements, added to town costs, Winger said.
Judy Earnhart, of the Main Street Association, approached the board, with Glee Eberly presiding, about the sanitary sewer line project.
Council member Tony Starkey said a meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21 at 1:30 p.m. with himself, Mike Trevino of Cole Engineering, and Indiana Department of Transportation official Bernie Durip regarding funding. The town hopes to get more than $370,000 from INDOT for the project.
Pipes will be laid under State Street to separate the sanitary sewer system and create a storm drain system. Merchants are concerned about disruption of business during construction and who will provide funding for sidewalk reconstruction.
Starkey said more information would be available at the Jan. 26 meeting.
The board approved cancellation of Thursday's employee meeting.
Police officer Brad Nestel asked if the town could declare a snow emergency under conditions experienced during the last two weeks.
Town counsel Greg Hockemeyer said an ordinance declaring emergency routes and procedures could be established, otherwise the town is "under an emergency" when the county declares this condition.
The board approved the five-year waste disposal contract with escalation clause submitted by Worley Disposal/Allied Waste. Costs are $5.20 for the first year, $5.41 the second year; $5.63 the third year; $5.86 the fourth year; and $6.09 the fifth year. Residents will not notice an increase in their trash pickup bill.
Tom Rudd is the third council member. The board meets at 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
