Syracuse Gets Update On Industrial Park Water Project
Posted
John DeGroff-
SYRACUSE - The Syracuse Town Council's October meeting dealt with more than the usual number of issues.
Council heard updates on the industrial park project and also heard from the Train Depot Committee. Three ordinances and one resolution were adopted, as well as the 2010 budget.Ken Jones, president of Wightman Petrie Engineering, presented options regarding the water system extension to the industrial park. Of four options considered, Jones recommended extension of an 8-inch water line from the north water tower, then extending a 12-inch main north to the business park entrance. This would lead into a booster pump station at the sanitary lift station.
The original plan involved using an 8-inch main from Long Drive, to north of County Line Road, then west of Ind. 13, to the park entrance and the booster pump and sanitary lift sight.
"This is how the project was originally proposed," Jones said. "We did not anticipate in the original project having to connect to the north water tower site."
Through a long technical discussion, Jones said that the reason for connecting to the water tower involved maintaining water pressure to the industrial park site. This also provides sufficient water pressure for fire department use.
Jones' reason for the discussion of the technical aspects of each option for water extension to the site was to get a decision on how council wished to move forward, so that the project can be placed out for bids. "As far as I know," Jones said, "...every other decision relating to the park has been made."
Council voted to approve Jones recommendation for water extension to the industrial park site. Cost of this part of the project is estimated at $1,675,000, which is only for water and sewer to the site. With on-site costs, the water extension project is estimated at close to $3 million.
Mark Baumgartner, representing the Train Depot Committee, presented an update of the organization's progress to date. Baumgartner said the committee is not asking the town for any funding for the project, and will instead be looking into various grants. It was also suggested that the committee might consider forming a non-profit corporation.
The Depot Committee hasn't done any fundraising yet because the depot structure itself still belongs to CSX Railroad. Under the current agreement with the railroad, ownership of the property cannot be transferred until adequate funds are raised. "This is sort of a real-life catch 22," Baumgartner said.
The proposed site for the depot is Henry Warner Park, and it's also being considered for use as a trail head. Although no action was required of the council, Baumgartner agreed to keep everyone informed regarding the committee's progress.
The final public hearing for the 2010 budget was conducted. As previously advertised, the budget estimate is set at $2,611,735. Maximum estimated funds to be raised are $1,469,452, with a current tax levy of $1,420,715. Since there were no challenges or questions about any figures or items presented, the 2010 budget was adopted.
Council approved an ordinance establishing periods for tax abatement. This ordinance "... modifies the town code so that periods of tax abatement that can be approved by the town council will be those provided by the Indiana code."
An ordinance that prohibited left turns from Medusa Street onto Huntington Street was rescinded. Under the recommendation of Town Marshall Tony Ciriello, the older ordinance was rescinded "... so that vehicle and other traffic entering Huntington Street from Medusa Street shall be allowed to make a left turn from Medusa onto Huntington."
Council adopted the salaries and compensations ordinance, which fixes pay for all town officials and employees during 2010.
The council also passed a resolution designating an economic revitalization area. This fulfills the state requirement that an economic revitalization area must be designated before any new manufacturing equipment, distribution equipment, R&D equipment and/or information technology equipment can be installed and/or used in the designated area.
In other business the council:
n Paid claims for October 2009 in the amount of $456,514.42.
n Approved $900 to Ortman Well Drilling for clean-up and inspection of three wells.
n Approved $2,850 for Cripe Excavating to chip accumulated brush.
n Announced Trick-or-Treat hours are 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 31.
n Announced Fall Carnival will be Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Community Center.
n Announced the Haunted House will be Oct. 29 through 31 at the Community Center. Times are 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30, and 7-11 p.m. Oct. 31. Cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children.
Syracuse Town Council members are Brian Woody, Bill Musser, Larry Seigel, Cassie Cowan and Paul Stoelting.
