Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Joe Bumbaugh, Syracuse, was approved as a deputy marshal for the town's police department, filling a vacancy on the force left by assistant marshal Mike Albert, who resigned.
Town marshal Malcolm Gilbert introduced Bumbaugh, who was the police department board's recommendation, at the Winona Lake Town Council meeting Tuesday.
Bumbaugh served as a reserve officer for 3-1/2 years and was a county reserve officer for four years. A U.S. Navy veteran, he will leave his job at Chore-Time Brock for the law enforcement post. He and his wife have two daughters.
Bumbaugh's brother, Jim, joined the Pierceton police department last week.
Gilbert said an assistant marshal would be named later. Albert plans to become a reserve officer.
Gilbert requested Bumbaugh be given 90 percent of his insurance benefits immediately, instead of 80 percent for one month and 90 percent for the first six months, which was approved.
Fire department training officer Kevin Bell reported he was in receipt of an Indiana Department of Environmental Management permit to hold a controlled vehicle burn at Grace College's Miller Field. He said the burn is set for July 31, and four residents within 500 feet of the field have been notified of the event.
Town coordinator Craig Allebach was appointed as the town council representative to the county's Emergency Management Agency.
Allebach said the town incurred costs of $16,000 in equipment, salaries and wages cleaning up after the July 4 storm. He reported Grace College spent $20,000 for storm cleanup. Public works superintendent Pete O'Connell said the street department hauled more than 200 loads of debris during the last two weeks, with more to be picked up this week.
Roger Gelbaugh, Winona Lake fire department chief, said Ed Rock, director of the Emergency Management Agency, was in town while firemen fought a house fire.
"He was on the scene asking if we needed any help," Gelbaugh said. "We had it under control by that time, but he and his offer was appreciated."
Allebach's name will be added to those able to declare civil emergencies in town, after advertisement of an ordinance amendment.
The council approved an ordinance setting fees for emergency services and establishing a firefighters' fund. The initial response will cost $250 for each unit dispatched to a structure fire or hazardous materials incident. Other fees, for each hour of on-scene assistance, for replacement costs of materials and debris removal, also are defined.
An invoice will be sent to the affected property owner's insurance company for reimbursement.
A 2004 town budget of $1,584,788 was presented for the council's consideration. Clerk-treasurer Retha Hicks said salary increases ranged from 5.8 percent for the police department to 3.8 percent for the fire department. Overall, the budget was up 9.6 percent.
"We would have to decrease the budget by $71,000 to keep it like last year," Hicks said. She has an appointment Aug. 11 with the state's Local Government Finance accountants, which was formerly known as the State Board of Accounts.
The council set a budget hearing for 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Town events were given as: Marian Emery Jazz Quartet in the Artisan Court Thursday at 1 p.m.; Guitar Woodies, Artisan Court, 1 p.m. Aug. 9; Salvation Army Lucy Locket Luncheon and Style Show, Rodeheaver Auditorium, Aug. 9; New Millennium Jazz Orchestra, 1 p.m. Aug. 16; and Tuxedo Junction Band, Aug. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Town council members are David Delp, Craig Snow, Jeff Carroll, Jerry Clevenger and Rolly Ortega.
