SYRACUSE – Town Council Tuesday night easily approved a few big-ticket items but got stuck in discussion over a $20,000 request for marketing funds for the new industrial park. Town Manager Henry DeJulia asked council’s approval to spend up to that amount, which would come out of the Elkhart county TIFF funds, for such items as billboard rental, premium spots on real estate websites, incentives for real estate agents, “for sale” signs and other advertisements. It was the billboard that caused some disagreement. Councilwoman Kathy Beer said, “I have never bought commercial property because of a billboard.” She did not see the value of spending around $450 a month on a one-year contract for this type of advertising. Councilman Bill Musser asked, “Why aren’t we using the local chamber?” He suggested that agency would be able to put information on its website and get the message out, “with help from us.” Musser also asked what exactly was the plan for selling the lots. De Julia explained that the town’s redevelopment commission is in charge of coming up with a plan, and would “make determination” concerning its marketing. Councilman Larry Siegel commented that contracting with commercial real estate companies came with its own set of problems, not the least of which is that they charge more than residential companies. He was also concerned about legalities as to what purchasers could do with land – for example, if someone could purchase the entire park. The commission is working on all these details and will present them to the board later. After much discussion, the council gave the go-ahead to spend the funds, with Beer’s being the sole no vote. Unanimous votes were given for appropriating $100,000 for unforeseen expenditures related to the park. The board has already approved extra costs for striping and signs, and town Clerk-Treasurer Julie Kline wanted to make sure she would have enough money for any other items that may arise. Council also accepted a $110,846 bid from Niblock Excavating Inc. for work on the Brooklyn Street drainage project, and $16,400 to Don’s Excavating for cleanup of a ditch related to that project. Project costs also include $10,500 to engineer Larry Long. In other business, the council: • Approved a noise ordinance that would restrict noise in town from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight to 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday. There would be an exception to Sunday if the following Monday happens to be a holiday. Police Chief Tony Ciriello explained that this would clarify policy and make enforcement easier. The first warning will be verbal. • Approved an annexation request for property south of the high school. • Was informed by the clerk that Farmers State Bank was the low bidder on bond anticipation notes with an interest rate of 1.5 percent. • Heard that the Memorial Day Parade would start at 1:30 p.m. Monday around Medusa Street and head north to Syracuse Cemetery. Ind. 13 at that location will be shut down from then until around 1:45 p.m. • Was introduced to Brian Spaulding, representative for Rep. Jackie Walorski, and heard that he is available to the public the last Wednesday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon at the town hall.
