Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Town councilmen approved a $260,950 contract with Severn Trent Tuesday to provide public works services to the town.
Town employees will become Severn Trent employees Jan. 1, 2002. Severn Trent project manager Tom Miller, former Syracuse public service director, will be in charge of day-to-day operations for the street, wastewater and park departments.
Cal Teague explained that Severn Trent originated in the United Kingdom and has grown to become the third largest private public works provider in the world. In the United States, Severn Trent has 600 clients and manages 15,000 employees.
The company will assume sewer collections responsibilities, ensure regulatory compliance and manage the town's assets.
Teague said the town asked for a proposal from the company. Town employees were advised of the change Monday.
Councilman Rolly Ortega said this is a way to make services better and to improve management and maintenance. He said the employees will gain in benefits.
Bart Jones, street superintendent, said employees will lose all benefits as public employees.
Council president Jeff Carroll said street department supervision had been a concern and Indiana Department of Environmental Management requirements are becoming more stringent. Part of the Severn Trent "package" is to make sure all systems meet environmental laws.
Town resident Dick Kehoe asked why the town was considering privatizing services and Miller said this is a contracted service.
As project manager, Miller will report to the town council. The council also will make major decisions regarding the public works departments and purchase of materials and supplies.
Currently the town spends $215,802 for the street, wastewater and park departments.
Resident Dan Leslie asked who would be responsible for the park and was told Severn Trent will do all the mowing and trimming and there would still be a park board.
Jim LeMasters said he was told he would no longer be employed as of Dec. 31. LeMasters is the part-time park director and has worked for the park for 12 years.
"Who is going to maintain the buildings?" he asked.
Town coordinator Craig Allebach said he would take care of the building maintenance.
LeMasters said the town has a lot of dedicated employees who have never had evaluations.
"They've drifted for years," he said. "You've looked at this for a year and a half without bringing the departments together."
In other business the board:
• Approved Roger Gelbaugh as first assistant fire chief and Kip Shuter as second assistant fire chief. Shuter returns to the department at the end of the year after a leave of absence.
• Approved a resolution in the amount of $3,565 to provide town employee Christmas bonuses in the amount of $250 each.
• Heard that a condemnation suit against the 800 Park Ave. property is pending.
• Heard the publicity committee will meet at 7 p.m. tonight.
• Agreed to barter six trash containers with Sweetheimer's Trash Removal for an $850 invoice.
• Heard Tim Minear will replace Scott Nichols on the park board.
• Approved GAI Consultants as Lake City Greenway engineers.
• Heard a benefit for councilman Craig Snow will be held at the Hacienda restaurant Thursday. A coupon is available, for lunch or dinner to help fund Snow's mission trip to Central African Republic; and the DePuy Craft Bazaar is set from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in Rodeheaver Auditorium.
Town council members are Jeff Carroll, Craig Snow, Rolly Ortega and Jerry Clevenger. David Delp was absent.
