WINONA LAKE - Winona Lake Town Council Tuesday approved the town's budget for 2009.
The general fund totals $1,253,340.
The motor vehicle highway totals $679,245; $92,438 for local road and streets; $35,500 for park and recreation; $28,000 for Economic Development Income Tax fund; $100,000 for riverboat fund; and $200,000 for the rainy day fund.Other funds approved include $2,500 for local law enforcement education, $25,000 for cumulative capital development and $225,000 for Winona Lake redevelopment bond distribution.
The council also approved a change order for the CR 250E project. The change was for an erosion control blanket that was used instead of sodding to do the work on the project.
The council also discussed improvements in the town for Prestwick and Murfield subdivisions and Pierceton Road.
The Prestwick project will include total reconstruction of the streets in the subdivision and storm drainage improvements. The Murfield subdivision will include street pavement repair and storm drainage improvements and an asphalt overlay on Pierceton Road.
"As a citizen, I am interested in permanently fixing the streets so they do not have to be redone every 20 years," said Winona Lake resident Jerry Nelson.
The council approved using the town's EDIT fund to finance the street improvement project.
Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks said the council will discuss at the next meeting Larry Long, town engineer, seeking bids for the street projects once the building specifications are completed.
Councilman Terry Howie expressed his concern with Wooster Road. He said pedestrians have been walking in the westbound traffic lane and wondered if a sidewalk could be installed for a place for them to walk.
Town Coordinator Craig Allebach said the town will look into the issue.
Councilwoman Sue Gooding asked if excess branches under the viaduct on Park Avenue could be removed. Allebach said the town will remove the branches.
Upcoming Oct. 4 events in the town include a Village at Winona Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Huzzah Hoosier Pennant Vintage Base Ball Tournament; and Northern Indiana Lakes British Motor Club.
Flu shots for $20 at the Winona Lake Senior Center will be Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to noon.
The annual Winona Lake Community Dinner amongst the Festival of Trees will be Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Rodeheaver Auditorium. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling the Winona Lake town office at 574-267-5783.
