Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Town council districts were reconfigured into more balanced wards Tuesday as councilmen approved a redistricting ordinance and map.
Based on 2000 official census "blocks," the biggest geographical changes were in wards four and five. The largest population shifts occurred in wards one and two.
Ward one, represented by Craig Snow, shifted from 454 people to 922; Ward two, represented by Jerry Clevenger, from 1,276 to 698; Ward three, represented by Rolly Ortega, from 699 to 952; Ward four, represented by David Delp, from 615 to 707; Ward five, represented by Jeff Carroll, from 933 to 805.
Brent A. Siebenthal of Wessler and Associates Consulting Engineers, Indianapolis, recommended Miller Pipeline Corp. be approved for the "cured-in-place" sewer line project. Miller submitted the lowest bid of $147,100.
Other bids on the project were opened Oct. 15 and were Reynolds Inc., $155,218, and JGK Testing Inc., $168,794.
The "cured" system of pipe rehabilitation involves inserting a lining. The lining fills in cracks or breaks in the pipe and generally prolongs the life of the line another two decades.
No bids were received for rehabilitation of the manholes, lift stations and in-ground sewer lines. Siebenthal said the specifications will be readvertised and area excavators personally contacted with invitations to bid on the project.
Town coordinator Craig Allebach said Grace College is interested in making improvements to King's Highway, from Wooster Road to the fire station, with the intention of making this stretch a gateway to the campus. Proposed improvements include new sidewalks and burying power lines.
Hoeppner Construction of Fort Wayne is proceeding with installation of a vent system in an attempt to dry the ground under the community center. Allebach said heavy plastic has been installed as a moisture barrier.
"They seem to think it's making a difference," he said of the ongoing problem. "It's not any worse."
In other business, the council:
• Heard Chestnut Street will be closed in various sections as cement is being poured this week. Asphalt milling begins Monday with paving to follow.
• Fire chief Mike Cox reported a $57,000 Fire Act grant was awarded to the department and will be used toward the purchase of specialized equipment: air packs, masks and an air compressor. The grant requires a 10 percent match.
• Heard upcoming events as: Saturday, Grace College Fall Fest, 6 to 8 p.m. in Lancer Gymnasium; trick or treating Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; American Lyceum Lecture Series speaker will be actress Jennifer O'Neill, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Rodeheaver Auditorium; and Lakeland Community Concert Association presents Wood's Tea Co. in Rodeheaver at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19.
Town council members are Rolly Ortega, David Delp, Craig Snow, Jerry Clevenger and Jeff Carroll.
