Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - Terri Pawlosky, park department director, presented her report to the town council Wednesday, saying the department is waiting for a nice day to clean up the park, and shrubbery had been damaged.
She said she is investigating the application of a non-toxic goose-deterrent product on the park grass. Two years ago the park was closed to swimmers for a month because of the birds.
The Friday evening music in the park schedule was presented. Entertainment includes: Becky Brady, June 1; Chain O'Lakes Chorus, June 8; Northeast Indiana Banjo Society, June 15; Lake Area Community Band, June 22; Lynn Beer, June 29; Grassy Creek Cloggers, with fireworks following the show, July 7; Shelly Sanders, July 13; M. Lynn Gray, July 20; Rick Lovelady, July 27; Fort Wayne Blues Society, Aug. 3; Auburn Dixielanders, Aug. 10; and Sax Maniacs, July 17.
Except for the July 7 event, which starts at 7:30 p.m., all shows begin at 7 p.m. Patrons are advised to bring lawn chairs.
Pawlosky said a preliminary approval notice has been received for a grant to build a fishing pier and to pave the parking lot at the park.
Town clerk Peg Lawrance said a person to pick up debris at the park also is needed every morning.
Park board members Helen Hoy and Carole Gilbert also attended the meeting regarding a Greenway project, a planned bike path. They are seeking public input and have scheduled a meeting in the community building Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Hoy asked if Bob Murphy of R.P. Murphy and Associates applied for any grant funds and the council said they didn't know.
Council president Kay Andrews said the International Palace of Sports has committed to $15,000 in matching funds. Andrews is a member of that organization's board of directors.
North Webster Lions Club members Steve Ward, Mark Tevis and Bob Richards approached the board asking that no vendor permits be issued during the Mermaid Festival dates this year, June 18 to 23.
"Outside (the festival grounds) vendors are selling the same things cheaper," Ward said. "The idea is to help non-profits and our festival."
Lawrance said they would have to check with the town's attorney about that.
"What about allowing none on Washington Street?" she said. The men said that would be acceptable.
They noted that last year two vendors positioned themselves just outside the gates.
They also asked about the validity of strolling parade vendors and town marshal Jerry Craig said they always have copies of permits when checked.
The council also:
• Opened waste hauling bids submitted by four companies.
Approval was awarded to Ameri-Waste at a rate of $5.15 per month per residence or $20,017.50 per year. Pickup is limited to four bags per unit and will occur on Mondays. Their contract begins June 1.
Other bidders were Waste Management, Wabash Valley and Borden.
• Gary Dart advised the board a St. Jude's Children's Hospital Bike-A-Thon would be held June 2 with a rain date of June 9. In its second year, participants can walk, run or ride a mile or more to raise funds.
The event begins at the United Methodist Church and continues on Hass Hill Road.
Participation forms are available at the town hall, various businesses and at the elementary school.
• Scheduled the next meeting for May 16 at 7 p.m.
• Heard the Queen of the Lakes Contest will be June 16.
• Street superintendent Marshall Minnick said work to install a sanitary sewer on Tonya Avenue, across from the new elementary school, will begin this summer.
Minnick said more than 10 tons of cold mix has been used to repair winter-damaged streets.
• Approved an ordinance outlining capital improvements for EDIT funds. Possible projects include sidewalk and curbing, purchase of a leaf vacuum and purchase of the North Webster Elementary School property.
• Received Craig's report detailing eight adult arrests in March; officers worked 546 hours and drove 3,153 miles.
Town council members are Kay Andrews, Jeff Morgan and Ken Wagner, who was absent.
