Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Winona Lake Town Council President David Delp released a statement Tuesday indicating that the town of Winona Lake, along with James and Lisa LeMasters, is being sued by the Winona Lake Lions Club Inc.
According to the statement, the litigation includes approximately 10 counts in Kosciusko Circuit Court.
"For the past two years, our board has met with the leaders of the Lions Club in an effort to work out a long-term arrangement for the Scout Cabin. As a board, we are disheartened in this surprising litigation against the town," said Delp.
The board declined to comment further on details of the case. "At this time we do not feel it is in the best interest of the town to openly discuss the issues of the lawsuit," said Delp.
Delp's statement concludes, "Every person on this board is saddened that a nonprofit organization, whose purpose is to improve the quality of life in their local community, has chosen this avenue to resolve a problem."
In other business, council vice president Craig Snow announced his resignation. Snow has moved to a home outside Winona Lake town limits and must give up his post.
"It has been an honor to serve the town of Winona Lake in this capacity," Snow said. "This has been a rather tough decision to make as I will miss being part of Winona Lake."
The board tabled a decision to purchase stone to spread on the alley near the corner of Court Circle and Auditorium Drive. Dick Taylor, who resides there, offered to have the work on the alley done if the town would pay for the stone. "The area has had some great improvement, but the alley's stayed the same," he said.
According to Taylor, the cost to re-stone the 200-foot-long alley would be approximately $480. Jerry Nelson, also a resident of Court Circle, expressed concern that the project may cause drainage problems for properties along the alley. The board decided to table the issue until the next meeting to allow town engineer Larry Long to verify that the drainage situation will not be affected.
The board also tabled a decision on a proposition to construct a parking lot and restrooms at the end of Boys' City Drive near the mountain bike trails. The design fee paid to GAI architectural firm would be $9,850.
Brent Wilcoxson, Winona Lake, suggested that the town look into alternatives to building new restrooms. "It seems like you could save a lot of money by just putting a little more money into the bathrooms here," he said, indicating the restrooms at Winona Lake Park.
In other news, the board approved:
• A proposal from Winona Lake Fire Department training officer Kevin Bell to use the town botanical waste dump as a training area for the fire department. The dump is on Freedom Lane.
• A bid for $5,549.35 by Cripe Excavating Inc. to install new drains on Court Circle.
• The establishment of a Riverboat Fund to receive funds from state revenues on riverboat gambling.
The next board meeting will be Aug. 26 at 7 a.m. at the Winona Lake Town Hall. Council members are president David Delp, Jerry Clevenger, Rolly Ortega and Jeff Carroll.
