Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - The town council heard details about a cross-country mountain bike race Tuesday from organizer Eric Graves.
Graves expects about 250 participants for the June 24 event.
The race will be contained inside the former Chicago Boys Club property with the course open at 7 a.m. The race begins at 9 a.m. with the last riders beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Parking for the race will be outside the entrance of The Boys Club except for officials and volunteers. Spectators and riders will park outside the entrance on two empty lots and others can park at the Winona Beach Park, the city building lots and lots across from Rodeheaver Auditorium. A shuttle to the course will be provided, Graves said.
The council gave New Horizon Community Church a reduction of $229 in sewage fees and a smaller meter size.
The church occupies the former Lakeland Academy, which was occupied every day and paid a minimum of $329 for sewage.
The smaller meter is charged a $100 minimum and council approved the difference.
In other business the council:
• Signed grant receipt papers to accept the $200,000 Community Development Building Grant. The paperwork will be forwarded to the Indiana Department of Commerce.
The grant will be applied toward renovation of the community building for a senior citizens' center.
• Accepted a bid of $7,500 from German Concrete for a 1987 Ford pickup truck.
• Approved an ordinance to increase Certificate of Use inspection fees on residential units from $10 to $15.
• Approved an ordinance regarding additional stop signs at intersections in Lexington Manor, Country Garden Estates and Heritage Lake Park.
The new codes will be effective following proper publication.
• Heard from town engineer Larry Long regarding the nearly complete College Avenue street project.
• Heard from town attorney Jim Walmer regarding the Hall property foreclosure. The property owners received funds from the Winona Lake Housing Authority to renovate the home. The work was complete more than a year ago.
Because of all the federal and state tax liens, which take precedence over a housing authority claim, the housing authority will lose the money.
Walmer said the housing authority now has a policy ensuring that a complete title search is compiled on each property in the grant process.
• Directed Walmer to write a letter to Jerry Smith, owner of Smith Trailer Court, reminding him that the mobile homes there must be removed by July 1.
• Approved a 4 percent wage increase for city employees if revenues support the raises.
• Heard from Retha Hicks regarding Mary Polston, who has worked in the clerk's office for five years.
Hicks said Polston is leaving to accept other employment and publicly thanked her for her fine work. Hicks said she will be greatly missed.
• Council president Jeff Carroll thanked the Winona Lake Police Department for their investigation of theft and a kidnapping.
• Upcoming events were listed as:
An appearance by musician Rik Lovelady in the Artisan Court Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.; the Balloonfest Triathlon in Winona Lake Park June 23 at 8 a.m.; the Charity Classic Celebrity Pro Am at Stonehenge Golf Club from June 21 to 23; the Winona 5K Road Race at Winona Lake Park June 30 at 8 a.m;. and Winona Lake Fourth of July celebration activities in and around the town from 8 to 9 p.m. June 30.
The next meeting of the town council will be at 7 a.m. in the town hall meeting room.
Council members are Jeff Carroll, David Delp, Jerry Clevenger, Craig Snow and Rolly Ortega.
