She reported all eight homes are about complete. A couple of residences had no source of heat or air conditioning available. Roofs, windows, insulation and lead remediation have been taken care of. Siding, interior work, electric upgrades are coming to a close. The homeowners are very appreciative and have signed lien restrictions in which they are to remain in the home for three years or they will have to repay a portion of the grant. Four inspections have to be completed.

Cain said that they may consider doing an open house. She had one homeowner comment, “Great job, Town of Winamac. I couldn’t be living in my home (otherwise).”

In other business, park manager Don Thompson reported the riverbanks in the town park are being cleaned. The 4-H staff will let themselves in and out of the park, and are preparing for a pancake breakfast this spring. After lengthy discussion regarding the Tree Committee’s project at Monticello and Washington streets, it was suggested by the council that Thompson make Rick Dilts aware of the project.

Police Chief Mike Buchanan provided his report for January. The car is not ready, and he is waiting on the weather to break to get the car on the road. Councilman Richard Denny asked Buchanan for any budget plans he would like to bring to the board for what the department might need over the next five years.

Water and Street superintendent Kevin Roe reported that he would like to hire a firm to do a leak survey. This survey will find water leaks that the town cannot find. There is one leak with a fire hydrant that they are working on now. Aqualine of Finley, Ohio, gave a quote of $7,800. ME Simpson of Valparaiso, gave a quote of $7,500. The cost will rise in another month to an additional $1,000 to $1,500. ME can start within a week. The board approved a motion to obtain written quotes from the bidders and accept the lowest bid so the leak check survey can be done.

Roe also reported the alleys are being graded and brush removed. The department has been keeping the roads sanded due to the weather. Denney expressed concern about roads being swept in Terrace Drive, and lawns need to be looked into as there is stone in yards.

Cleary Butler from Engaging Solutions presented the council with the energy plan results and plans to finalize the grant. They have five teams to evaluate the aspects of the grant on concerning energy and saving money and made suggestions for the Town buildings becoming energy efficient. He will submit a report for the grant.

Electric superintendent Doug Shorter reported the department is clearing lines. They are also picking up more irrigators on the west side of town to maintain. He is going to contact NIPSCO to see what load the Town has on the west circuit. The poles and wire are old on the west circuit. Farmers’ irrigators need electric updates. He needs to get figures in order and update as costs allow. Riverwood Commons put up new lights and the Town has taken over the maintenance. Shorter is getting a quote at changing the bulbs to LED to go green with the lighting.

Shorter also addressed the issue from the last month’s meeting regarding two men being on call. He reviewed the safety manual, and his employees have been trained. If there is a situation that is non-threatening, he feels he does not have to have two men for the job. He added he emphasizes safety with his employees, and if there is a situation wherein that employee does not feel safe, he is to call for back-up. Other personnel cannot help in this area as they have not been properly trained and certified. He said he does not feel as if he has to make two of his men be on stand-by every other weekend.

Shorter also addressed the attendance issue of department supervisors, as raised at last month’s council meeting. Denney has requested the supervisors, as paid management, to attend the entire monthly council meetings so everyone knows what is going on in the town for the betterment of the town. A discussion followed. Councilmen Tom Murray, John Plowman and Dan Vanaman all agreed that the superintendents could make their reports to the council and then leave, as has been past procedure.

Wastewater superintendent Brad Zellers reported a high school class will tour the wastewater plant. He also reported the Lift Station is still not done. The wastewater plant has had a lot of water which has created a lot of sludge. He may have to have a company come in a pump some of it out at six cents a gallon of wet liquid. The drying beds are getting too full. Also, a discussion with Mark Sullivan from Commonwealth regarding the last pay claim was held. The paving is questionable and the roads need to be measured for asphalt. LGS needs to present the last claim and seems to be delaying. The Town has prepared a punch list and will hold on to the retainage. Sullivan will schedule a meeting to address the paving issues.

Town manager Jim Conner reported on the following:

1. The plan commission needs one more person from the Town as a member. Vanaman volunteered. The plan commission will meet at 7 p.m., Feb. 28, at the fire station to discuss the two-mile buffer around Winamac and a mobile home issue.
2. Presented the council with the expense for the garbage dump.
3. Presented the Council with a draft of the response to the issue of a substation. Pulaski County EDC director Nathan Origer discussed the proposal with the County Council and the Town may consider a contribution. Denney commented that the Town not loan 100% of the cost. His concern was lowering the electric reserve funds, but he was in favor of a loan.  Murray had reservations about who would have ownership in the property. The council suggested a change to exception No. 3 in that it would not be the Town’s responsibility.
4. Presented an e-mail from James Szuzucki regarding the flooding of the Tippecanoe River. Denney expressed that this is a concern of the Town.
5. Presented correspondence from DLZ Engineers regarding a survey being prepared on State Road 14 and Decker Drive area.
6. Presented dump truck quotes. The body is being painted on a truck that is at Terry Truck Equipment. The leaf vac should be on a ton truck. The snow plow would be better on a different truck instead of the electric truck. These items will be taken into consideration for budget next year.
7. Received a thank-you letter from the Pulaski Health Department, District 2 Service and Support Element Leader, Sherry Fagner, for letting them use a Town facility for their Work Day on Jan. 11.
8. Received a letter stating that Karen Fritz is the new Pulaski County Historian.
9. Presented a letter from Indiana Department of Transportation regarding traffic signals.
10. Presented information on the health insurance currently in place. There is a 12% increase on premiums this year. Denney suggested getting a representative from IACT (Indiana Association of Cities and Towns) for a presentation of their health insurance. The current health insurance plan with Starmark is due April 1, 2012.
11. One house has been torn down. County Building Inspector sent a letter to the property owner on South Monticello Street on Jan. 3. It was returned certified mail on Jan. 12 and no further contact has been made. The Council said to take down the garage, bill the homeowner and put the expense on the property taxes. Conner was also instructed to mail another letter stating that the Town is tearing down the garage. The property owner on Burson Street filed an appeal. A court date has not been set. Attorney Kevin Tankersley is securing a date.

Clerk-Treasurer, Melanie Berger, presented the Council with a list of un-cashed and undeliverable checks. The council approved a motion to transfer the checks into the general fund. Berger also asked the Council to approve the purchase of a Town credit card. This was approved for the use as stated on Resolution # 1 of 2012. The Carper and Neilbert Cemetery Trusts were discussed. Town Attorney, John Kocher, will prepare a petition to resign the Town’s position as Trustee.