Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - When sewage backed up into Steve Ward's house at EMS W30 Lane in July, he knew he had damage in the basement, he told board members Wednesday.
Ward took the day off and advised town employees of the problem. A crew arrived at 12:30 p.m., Ward said.
"At 1:30 p.m. I talked to Marshall (Minnick, town supervisor) and he told me to make repairs and submit the bill to you," he said.
The town, under the advice of town attorney Mike Armey, will not pay for damages because the problem was caused by a lightning strike.
Ward said there was no lightning that night.
Ward's insurance paid $2,000 of a $2,600 bill and he wants the town to pay for the remainder.
The board reiterated they would not pay for the damages, that the town is responsible for damages outside private property only.
They did suggest a fund could be set up with money for such situations, with funding to come from additional charges on the sewage bill. The residents could petition for funds from that account.
Public hearings for three items were held Wednesday regarding a Department of Commerce planning grant to study the use of the North Webster Elementary School, which will be abandoned by the Wawasee School Board in 2002, and for a Department of Natural Resources grant for the park.
There were no comments on the proposals.
Also on the agenda was a sexually-oriented business ordinance, which was tabled due to lack of public response.
Council president Kay Andrews announced the North Webster Post Office has selected six sites for relocation and the sites are posted in the post office. She said the post office will decide where to move within the next 30 days.
The board also announced the Lakeview Restaurant has been leased to Pat O'Connell and is open for business. The building had been closed since January.
Trash removal fees will increase 3 percent, bringing costs to $5.06 per month, as per the regular contract agreement with Borden Waste-Away Service Inc., Milford.
A variance request for Gene Himelick was approved along with a temporary recreational vehicle permit for Kay Dabler.
The board granted Kosciusko Development Inc. $500 as requested by KDI board members Robert Fisher and Joy McCarthy-Sessing.
A budget hearing is set for Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. and street paving bids will be opened at 7:15 p.m.
The budget adoption meeting will be held Sept. 18 at 6 p.m.
Town council members are Kay Andrews, Ken Wagoner and Jeff Morgan.
