Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - Tuesday at the Syracuse Town Council meeting, plans were set in motion to upgrade Syracuse's water treatment facilities, including construction of a new water treatment plant, a new elevated storage tank, new hydrants and all-around system improvements.
It will be about a year before preliminary plans are complete and construction can begin, according to Tom Miller, public works superintendent.
He explained that in some of the older sections of town the pipes are only 2 inches - too small to move enough water adequately. He also noted that he found one section of original wood pipe, which is displayed in his office.
Based on last month's report and depending on final engineering projections, the improvements will cost residents about an additional $14 a month on their water bills.
The council also gave the green light to begin work on a character-building program that could see the town designated as a "City of Character." Scot Jefferies of Character Indiana talked to the council about the program, which is geared toward adults and not children.
"As children mature, they mimic. Character is caught, not taught," he told the council.
The book that will be used to work through the program is "Achieving True Success: How to Build Character as a Family." It is available through the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce for $10.
Each month has a topic that is not only defined but also explained with programs that families can use. The topics by month are "Punctuality v. Tardiness"; "Resourcefulness v. Wastefulness"; "Gentleness v. Underachievement"; "Tolerance v. Prejudice"; "Meekness v. Anger"; "Justice v. Corruption"; "Endurance v. Hopelessness"; "Diligence v. Slothfulness"; "Humility v. Pride"; "Hospitality v. Loneliness"; and "Sensitivity v. Callousness."
On a query from council member Carol Koble, town manager Brian Redshaw explained that town employees are under a new health insurance policy since Jan. 1, but prescription cards are not yet available. He also said there is no life insurance policy for town employees at this time, but that one is imminent.
Redshaw recommended to the council that the town should recognize the accomplishments of Shanna Zolman, state record-holder in girl's basketball. No decisions were made, but ideas included passing a resolution naming March 15 or 16 as Shanna Zolman Day, perhaps even naming a street after her. Council member Mike Davis concurred.
Every year the sprinkler system in Town Hall is supposed to be checked, but no record exists of prior inspections. This year's inspection indicates that several thousand dollars in repairs are needed to bring the system up to code.
In other action, the Fire Department was given approval to appoint a committee to set the specifications and get bids for a new ambulance.
