Winamac Council agrees to discuss salary ordinances

In other business, the council agreed to hold a work session Tuesday (Oct. 16) to discuss salary ordinances. At the request of council member Richard Denney, a discussion will also be held regarding overtime, exempt and non-exempt employees.

Under discussion items, council member Jim DeArmond questioned why the town purchases fuel from BP since it is not located within city limits. Denney questioned the pool expenses and budget. In addition, the condition of a house on Burson Street was discussed; and council member Dan Vanaman reported that the new pocket park has two trees on the south end that were not part of the original plan.

Reports:

Police Chief Mike Buchanan, reported that his department has received two new computers. One is ready to go and the other is still being processed with the sheriff’s department. He also reported he would like to contact the airport for permission to use the air strip for a half-day of emergency vehicle operations training for the town officers. The council advised him to call airport manager Jim McDaniels. Buchanan provided the monthly statistical report. He said he has also spoken to the insurance company regarding a tort claim. Town attorney John Kocher advised the council that the town insurance is investigating. Buchanan advised the council of a recent motorcycle accident at the town park. In addition, he received a letter from the insurance company denying the claim from a home check last month. A copy of the call-for-service regarding the welfare check was provided to the council for its information.

Water and Street Superintendent Kevin Roe, reported that brush pickup will end Oct. 12 and leaf pickup will begin. They will continue to pick up brush if someone calls into the office. Denney suggested putting an article in the paper. A pump that was sent in for repairs is back in service. The auto dialer is in need of further repairs. The hydrants and meters are going to be winterized. After Oct. 12, the hydrant at the complex will be ready for use for contractors and the tree committee. Water will be available between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

It was suggested that the town manager prepare an ordinance stating use from any hydrant other than the one at the complex will be a violation. Vanaman asked about the leaf vac, and was informed it is being readied. The blades are okay and the hose is being replaced. At the town dump, it was suggested to call Weaver & Fox Excavating to move some of the compost.

Park Superintendent Rick Dilts reported that the girls softball season is over. The Y Flag Football will end on Oct. 20. Also, the Y is having a Halloween party on Oct. 30 at the park. The restrooms will remain open and after the party, he will winterize all facilities. The bleachers and tables will be stored. The leaf vac is ready for use. He reported on hitch and wagon prices. The council advised Dilts to purchase the stainless steel trailer, the hitch and have Gilsinger’s put together. Dilts also presented the council with a John Deere lawn mower quote from Gilsinger’s. The board voted to trade the current lawnmower for a new mower per Gilsinger’s quote of $4,825 after trade-in.

Electric Superintendent Doug Shorter reported the department is working on line clearance between the school and Huddleston Road, installing transformers and trimming trees. The new pocket park is hooked up to electric. Denney asked about the trees in the town park that are dead, and Dilts said he would need help with the removal. Councilman John Plowman asked about the underground work in West Win, and Shorter replied he is working on the quotes. Vanaman asked about the removal of a tree in the alley between VSP Body Shop and Janet Onken’s home. Conner and Shorter will look into this.

Wastewater Superintendent Brad Zellers reported that the header pipe for the blower is being installed and should be done by Oct. 12. The blower should be here in December. There are two or three more catch basins that need to be hooked up to the storm water. Star City is currently dumping its wastewater at the plant.

Town manager Jim Conner reported on the following:

He spoke with Pat Heisner regarding the town’s appointment to the Star City Sewer Board. Walter Craig said he would represent the town, and the council voted its approval.
He presented the council with Umbaugh’s 4th Quarter Tracking figures. Conner prepared tracking figures per IMPA’s program and they match. He will continue to prepare the tracking factors and will notify Umbaugh that they will no longer need to prepare the report. The tracking factor did go down, and the council voted to pass the tracking factor on to the public, with one opposing vote from Richard Denney.
He presented the council with a copy of the State of Indiana Notice of Tort Claim.
He presented the council with a copy of the municipal nepotism policy that each elected official will need to execute by Dec. 31.
He presented the council with a copy of the accident report at the town park on Sept. 29.
He presented the council with a copy of the letter from AECOM for the garbage dump.
He presented the council with a copy of the Order to Demolish or Repair Unsafe Premises that was recorded with the Pulaski County Recorder’s Office on Sept. 18, for a property on West Jefferson Street.
He advised the council that the town received the IPEP Safety Award Plaque.
He advised the council that he has applied for a grant for picnic tables, recyclable bins and containers through Northwest Indiana Solid Waste District.
On behalf of the Winamac Lion’s club, he asked for permission to have a dinner fundraiser at the Opera House on Oct. 27. The council had no objections.
He presented the council with the contract for the Cost of Refinancing and Additional Bond with Umbaugh in the amount of $33,500. The council voted to execute the agreement.
He submitted petition to IURC for wastewater department’s rate ordinance, as required, because the utility charges users outside the corporate boundaries a higher rate.

Clerk-Treasurer Melanie A. Berger presented the council with the fire department’s monthly report. She also provided a copy of a collection letter for a person who owes the town for electrical supplies due to an accident. Steve Egly with Sunshine Publishing has mailed two copies of the ordinances on a CD for review and a list of corrections to be made. She also provided copies of the financial management reports for the Winamac Municipal Electric Utility, Sewage Works, and Water Utility for the four months ended April 30. Some discussion was held on why the town has Umbaugh prepare these reports.