WINONA LAKE - Winona Lake Town Council Tuesday approved the purchase of 10 radios by the Winona Lake Fire Department.
The department's current radios are obsolete, said Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Bell, and the cost of the new radios is $6,910.
The council also approved the purchase of an Internet server for the town office for $5,455.Town Coordinator Craig Allebach said water mains are being replaced in the town along First, Second, Third and Fourth streets.
A water hydrant is being installed at First and Chestnut streets, and a new hydrant will be installed at the Winona Lake Street Department.
Allebach said he is seeking quotes to complete dredge work in the town's canal. He said he will speak with the Winona Lake Preservation Association about partnering with the town to look into a grant for the dredge work.
Town councilman Jerry Clevenger suggested the town consider increasing rates for residents who rent pier spaces to cover the dredging costs.
Clevenger also said he spoke with Winona Lake residents who recommended the town implement a launch fee for lake users who enter and exit Winona Lake near Stonecamp Subdivision.
Town councilman Rolly Ortega informed the council there have been vandals who have damaged gates along the greenway.
Allebach said the gates are used during mountain bike events to separate bicycle traffic from regular greenway traffic. Allebach said instead of replacing the gates, the town could take down the gates and put up a barricade during events.
"As we get more usage on the trails, we are looking for ways to route traffic with signage and barricades during events when needed," Allebach said.
Upcoming events in the town include trick-or-treating Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m.; the Winona Lake Community Appreciation dinner Nov. 9 at Rodeheaver Auditorium; and the Festival of Trees at Rodeheaver Auditorium from Nov. 10 to 14.
