Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - Two resolutions and one ordinance were unanimously approved by the Syracuse Town Council Tuesday.
The first resolution adopts a uniform comment policy for Syracuse citizens. It provides for a complaint form to be used as standard form for all departments for comments or complaints about the town of Syracuse operations. Each department will report monthly to the town council regarding the comments they receive.
The resolution also establishes a "proper procedure" for complaints. First, a person is to complain to the department head. If they are not satisfied, they then can go to the town manager. If they are still not satisfied, they can take the issue to the town council president, who will make the matter known to the full council.
A comment box also will be available.
The second resolution adopts a policy for the connection of utility customers outside the town limits. It states that utility connections to the town will be allowed if either of the two provided conditions are met if the property in question is outside the town limits.
The first condition is that the utility request must be accompanied by a fully executed petition for annexation to the town of Syracuse. Or, in lieu of an annexation agreement, the second condition requires the utility request be accompanied by a fully executed in-lieu-of-annexation agreement that provides for the payment of 75 percent of the property taxes that would be collected for the property if it were annexed into the town.
The ordinance establishes a rainy day fund for excess monies from the Economic Development Income Tax, County Option Income Tax or other taxes.
In other business, the town council:
• Approved to refinance the town's outstanding waterworks revenue bonds of 1977. The town may see a savings of approximately $59,500.
• Approved to pay the Lake Area Community Band $2,000 for 2004 that was encumbered from 2003. In exchange, the band will perform three concerts for the town.
• Heard from Jeannie Coverstone that any trivial problems with the police, fire or ambulance services the town council members had with those departments need to be ironed out.
She said she recently had some problems in her neighborhood where the police had to be called and they were very polite and professional. She and her husband, she said, feel very fortunate to live in a community with such exemplary services.
When her husband recently had a heart attack, they were again grateful for the professional and quick response from the emergency services.
• Heard from Syracuse Parks and Recreation Superintendent Michael A. Hixenbaugh that changes have been made to the fees and charges for use of the Syracuse Community Center.
Members of the Syracuse Town Council present Tuesday included Paul Stoelting, Brian Antonides, Larry Siegel and Brian Woody. Not present was Cassie Cowan. The Syracuse Town Council meets at 7 p.m. in the town hall the third Tuesday of every month.
