Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - The Winona Lake Fire Department now will be better equipped for its first responders to fight grass fires.
The Winona Lake Town Council approved funding for a $20,599 2500 series V-8 Chevrolet extended-cab pickup truck at its meeting Tuesday night.
Council member Jeff Carroll made a motion to fund the truck. Council member Dave Delp seconded the motion.
Town Coordinator Craig Allebach said it was time to replace the 20-year-old Chevrolet truck.
"The truck is not in good shape and doesn't have the four-wheel drive needed to go out in the field," Allebach said.
Winona Lake Fire Chief Roger Gelbaugh said the department experienced problems with the truck this week.
"The clutch went out on our Chevrolet Monday and we were told the repair would cost $1,000 or more, so we thought it would be more efficient to purchase a newer vehicle since our old vehicle is aging," Gelbaugh said.
The 2007 truck will be purchased from Hubler Chevrolet of Indianapolis through a Quantity Purchase Agreement with the state. The agreement allows dealerships to sell vehicles to government entities at a lower rate, according to Gelbaugh.
The truck will have a tool bed and skid unit.
Town Marshal Paul Schmidt said the town also could use the truck.
"Our lift truck is getting old and we could put the new truck to use right away," Schmidt said.
Gelbaugh said he will contact Hubler Chevrolet and inform them of the council's decision to fund the vehicle and a title will need to be signed.
"The quicker we get the truck, the quicker we can put it into service," Gelbaugh said.
During the meeting the council also:
• Recognized Retha Hicks, clerk/treasurer of the town of Winona Lake, for her service. Council President Rolly Ortega read a letter dated June 30 from Marcella O'Connor, International Institute of Municipal Clerks president, stating Hicks earned the title of a Master Municipal Clerk. The title recognizes municipal clerks for their performance at the local, state, national and global levels.
• Hicks shared a plan aimed at reducing reliance on property taxes and establishing alternatives for financing local government referred to as "Hometown Matters." She will discuss the plan Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. on radio station WRSW 107.3's "Talk of the Town."
• Approved sending a check to the Indiana Department of Transportation for $107,000 to fund the Lake City Greenway project.
• Discussed three street improvement projects. The projects include improvements to Sunday Lane at 12th Street to the north edge of 15th Street, Sunday Lane from 12th Street to 910 Chestnut Ave., and 13th Street from College to Poplar. Bids for the projects will be discussed at the next meeting.
• Ortega presented a listing of upcoming events. Events include: Community Day of Caring 2006, Aug. 16 from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Warsaw Community Schools students first day, Aug. 17; Grace College's Welcome Weekend Aug. 19; Village at Winona Antique Car Festival, Aug. 19; and 107.3 "Talk of the Town" Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. with Retha Hicks.
