Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Winona Lake resident Anita Thomas read a letter to the town's council today, stating her disapproval of statements made in a Times-Union article regarding ongoing litigation between the town and certain citizens.
Thomas represented residents involved in a lawsuit over properties along the town's canal.
She claims comments made during a public meeting following a Nov. 4 mediation session did not accurately represent what took place during mediation.
"Sixteen property owners on the canal in Winona Lake have asked the court for a remedy to overreaching by the town," Thomas read from the prepared statement.
"The council implied that only four were involved Friday (Nov. 4, during the mediation); in fact, those four were delegates empowered to represent all 16 property owners who are plaintiffs."
Thomas also claimed council member Jeff Carroll, "apparently told the reporter that the town 'owned and maintained' the property along the canal. Neither is true."
Further, "... Carroll claimed that the town's legal expenses are the fault of the people who are properly seeking legal redress. Yet the town refuses offers of resolution that would allow the town to continue to collect funds for canal dredging while ending the coercive extraction of fees from owners just to protect their property from their own local government," Thomas read.
"The claim that the owners brought suit without ever talking to the council is both false and contradicted by the minutes of many meetintgs. It is also irrelevant, unless one assumes this is a prerequisite to asking the court for a remedy, which it is not."
The statement also claimed the town has a "preference for litigation over reasonable compromise."
Neither the council nor Thomas commented on the letter after its reading.
In other matters, members unanimously approved an ordinance increasing monthly sewer rates for Winona Lake residents from $34 to $35. Jeff Carroll said the council is working with Warsaw towards an agreement on a proper sewer rate between municipalities.
Also approved was an agreement between Winona Lake and Wayne Township, allowing the township to assume certain expenses for fire protection and park availability offered by Winona Lake. Because the two share much of the same community, the ordinance now holds the township responsible for payment of these services, totaling $28,975.
Council members reached an agreement allowing the fire department to purchase three new generators, one which is for replacement of a current generator in use.
An ordinance adopting and reappointing the town's current deputy marshals was approved, as well as a request for a $275 Christmas bonus for town employees.
Upcoming events announced by the board were a Nov. 29 presentation by Jennifer Ortega at Jefferson Elementary School on the history of the town through her artwork; a Dec. 1 council pancake breakfast at the Senior Center; and a Dec. 3 holiday festival in the Village at Winona.
Present members were Carroll, David Delp, Joy Lohse, and Jerry Patterson. Rolly Ortega was absent.
