Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Since opening its new facility last year, Lakeland Christian Academy has 198 registered students, a significant increase over 98 students three years ago.
Don Clemens of the academy approached the Winona Lake Town Council Tuesday requesting the board serve as the government agency for the school's $2.5 million bond issue.
The agreement in no way obligates the town to pay the loan if the academy defaults.
As a not-for-profit agency the school is eligible for sponsorship through the town's economic development commission.
The bond issue will conclude financing of and complete construction on the $3.5- million facility.
Clemens said the academy board expects to double the number of enrolled students and faculty in the next few years.
A second public hearing regarding the bond issue will be held at the Dec. 26 meeting.
The council approved amendments to the pier ordinance, extending the removal dates, which were Nov. 15 to May 1, to Dec. 1 through April 1.
The language also was changed to include removal of boat lifts.
The third change involved language referring to property the town regulates rather than property the town owns.
The board also approved an agreement with GAI Consultants to serve as engineers on the former Gatke Parcels Corp. land. Funded through a brownsfield grant, GAI will conduct environmental studies for $41,988 to determine the extent of the contamination on the Wooster Road property.
In other business the board:
• Heard from board president Jeff Carroll regarding 2001 goals and accomplishments. All were met with action and most were expanded upon for future action.
• Heard from town coordinator Craig Allebach that eminent domain proceedings have begun for the 800 Park Ave. property.
• Approved a resolution on the Peach Tree Lane property to seek a real estate company to sell the property.
• Heard that Warsaw will give a portion of its greenway funding to the town so Winona Lake can begin construction.
• Heard councilman Rolly Ortega was honored at the annual firefighters' banquet. Ortega was given the Chief's Award. Community member Al Disbro also was recognized at the dinner.
• Heard bid openings for the community center construction will be Dec. 18 at 1:05 p.m.
Allebach said the bids will probably be taken under advisement at that meeting.
• Heard from Jim LeMasters, who thanked the board for letting him serve as the park director for 11 years. LeMasters was informed last month that his services would no longer be needed after the end of the year.
"Don't call me after Dec. 31," he said.
• Heard the Fort Wayne Philharmonic will present its Holiday Pops concert at 2 p.m. Sunday in Rodeheaver Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for nonsubscribers to the Lakeland Community Concert Association. Children under 18 gain free admission if accompanied by an adult.
The next town council meeting is Dec. 26 at 7 a.m. Town councilmen are Jeff Carroll, Jerry Clevenger, Craig Snow, Rolly Ortega and David Delp.
