Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - Syracuse Town Council approved three ordinances and one resolution at their Tuesday board meeting.
Two ordinances deal with the town's water supply, one raising the water tap fee rates and the other prohibiting potable wells in and near the town's water supply.
The waterline tap fee was raised from $750 to $1,000. This price allows a person to connect to the town's water supply and covers the cost of town employees and supplies for the connection. The change in rate was made to "reflect economic realities."
The second water-related ordinance is intended to both regulate deep wells and maintain the town utility's customer base.
Under the new ordinance, people residing in town or within 300 feet of a water line are not allowed to drill a well for potable use and must tap into the town utility. Wells used for irrigation and other uses still are allowed.
Existing wells also are allowed and may be maintained, though a new well cannot be drilled.
Town Manager Jeff Noffsinger said the regulation helps to protect the town's aquifer and therefore the drinking supply.
Council member Larry Siegel was opposed to the ordinance, saying, "I just don't think we should regulate everything there is to regulate."
Noffsinger said that until November, the town was regulated under a similar county ordinance but that the county's revision exempted incorporated areas from the regulations.
The ordinance passed, with just Siegel opposed.
A final ordinance regulating environmental nuisances was approved. This was a revision to the town ordinance regarding lawn maintenance.
According to Noffsinger, this ordinance "goes beyond just grass and weeds" because it applies to piles of rubbish and buildings defaced with graffiti.
Under this ordinance, anyone in violation will have a placard posted in their yard and will receive a warning letter. If the problem is not taken care of within 10 days, the town will resolve it, with the offender receiving a bill.
Total charges, including administrative fees, usually range from $200 to $400.
The town board unanimously passed a resolution that posts a small portion of town property for sale.
The resolution will allow CVS Pharmacy to purchase a small area, adding four parking spaces to their lot. It also will give them a straight-edged property line.
The town is seeking a purchase price of $650.
In other business:
• The council voted to end their EMS and fire agreement contracts effective December 2006. The town will work to negotiate new contracts. The existing contracts were negotiated in the 1970s.
• The public works department was approved to buy a Hammerhead Mole. This tool is used to drill water service lines under streets without digging up the street.
The tool costs $3,984.48 and is expected to pay for itself by lessening the number of street repairs caused by town waterline expansion.
• Citizens interested in the summer watering (summer sprinkling) rate should sign up with the clerk's office. Town Clerk Julie Kline said the special sewer rate adjustment is available from June to September.
• Town Marshal Tony Ciriello announced the department's unclaimed property auction is June 3 at the shooting range beginning at 9 a.m.
