The RTP grant is approximately $51,000. The Safe Routes to School grant is approximately $250,000 from INDOT. The trail is completed, almost from France Park (Logansport) to Winamac. Bawcum thanked the Council for its participation, support and leadership for the program. Council president John Plowman expressed his gratitude for Bawcum’s involvement and pushing these programs though.

Eric Walsh of consultant Umbaugh & Associates held a discussion with the council regarding the Cumulative Capital Development Fund and the maximum rate. Currently, the Town’s rate is 2.5 cents and can be raised to 5 cents per $100 of assessed value. The council will hold discussion on this at a later date.

Report items:

Park superintendent Rick Dilts reported that 4-H is holding a weigh-in Feb. 23, and he will open the back of the park for their access. He is currently working on the restrooms at the park for ADA compliance. Councilman Richard Denney asked about summer help. Dilts was told to use his discretion as to when he needed the summer help and to ask the person who helped last year to do it again this year.

Street superintendent Kevin Roe reported that he will contact Central Paving to see about the pot holes that need to be repaired. The fire hydrant at Dillman’s has been repaired due to the fire and approximately 50,000 gallons of water was used. The meter at the water plant needs fixed and two meters were purchased so one could be fixed and the other used as a spare. Ttwo hydrants need to be purchased for placement on SR 119 between Alexander’s Meating House and T-Pack Road. Denney asked if stone and sand are being mixed when being placed on the roads for the snow. Roe replied that stone is not mixed with sand, and that some of the driveways/alleys are producing the mixture when privately-owned homeowners are having their driveways/alleys plowed.

Wasterwater superintendent Brad Zellers reported that the yearly inspection has been completed with no violations. The new blower is working, and catch basins are being installed. The department has been working on the office installing a new bathroom for ADA compliance. Zellers also stated that the line on Franklin Street needs to be lined. He is to get three quotes. Zellers continues to deal with Instituform on the wastewater project.

Police Chief Mike Buchanan informed the council that the new computer system has been installed and is working. He also informed the council that one of the police officers will be retiring in a year, and he would like to have a replacement within the next six months.

Town manager Jim Conner reported on the following:

1. He presented the council with Ordinance No. 1 of 2013 to amend the monthly water rates and charges of the Town's waterworks. The council voted approval.
2. He presented the council with Ordinance No. 3 of 2013 to establish a schedule of rates and charges for the Sewage Works. The council voted approval.
3. He presented the council with Ordinance No. 4 of 2013 to amend the 2007 Winamac Plan Commission Ordinance for Flood Hazard Areas. The council voted approval.
4. He presented the council with Ordinance No. 5 of 2013 to ban smoking in any municipally owned or operated vehicle. After discussion, a motion to adopt  the ordinaced passed 4-1 with councilman Tom J. Murray voting in opposition.
5. He reported the Lutheran Church owns the property behind Terrace Drive, and that Carroll Lange will discuss a possible trail for golf carts on the property at the church’s next meeting.
6. He reported that Jason Potthoff will be maintaining the pocket park for the next two years at no cost to the Town.
7. He reported that Ron Lauristen is no longer employed with AECom. Lauristen was the engineer for the upcoming water project.
8. He reported that Umbuagh sent its accounting reports through August, 2012. Discussion was held as to whether to continue these reports three times a year, change to every six months or once a year. Denney said he would like to see a reduction in these costs. The council suggested looking into someone else preparing these reports. Conner is to contact Steve Carter for a quote.
9. Tippy’s Pizza has asked to block off a section of Pearl Street in front of its restaurant for a block party. Plowman stated the beer permit and any accompanying documentation required needed to be secured properly. The council approved the request.
10. At the Jan. 14, meeting, the council appointed Conner as the owner representative regarding the water project. He asked the council to appoint Clerk-Treasurer, Melanie Berger instead. The  council voted its approval.
11. Cobblestone Hotels would like to do a feasibility study to see if there is a demand for a hotel in Winamac. There will be a representative from the company at the March meeting.
12. He presented the Environmental Restrictive Covenant from January’s meeting for signatures.
13. He informed the council that the renewal for health insurance will be increasing 20 percent. Conner will do some comparing with other companies.
14. He reported the council will have bids for mowing the cemetery at the March meeting. Plowman spoke about cemetery rules and asked that this subject be re-visited at a later date. A question was raised about the possibility of acquiring additional land.
15. He reported to the council from Doug Shorter, electric department supervisor, that they are working on line clearance, and Jake Berger stared Jan. 28.

In other reports, the Winamac Town Pool lease agreement was presented to the council for perusal and changes were discussed. Brad Zellers is to get quotes on rehabbing the swimming pool. Also, the poles in the parking lot have been removed.

Council Discussion:

Murray expressed concern regarding a resident who is hauling fill on his property which is now running down the hill into a neighbor’s yard. Conner stated that the Town does not have an ordinance that prohibits home owners hauling fill onto their property.

There are some vehicles that are not in compliance with the Town’s Vehicle Ordinance and Chief Buchanan stated he would look into this.

Discussion was also held on tear down vacant homes this summer.

Denney asked that all ADA Compliance expenses be tracked.

Plowman asked that the Town send a condolence card to the Braun family.

In final business before the council, Clerk-Treasurer, Melanie Berger, presented the council with fire protection contracts for the following townships: Franklin, Harrison, Rich Grove and Jefferson. The council approved the contracts. The council also accepted the Volunteer Fire Department contract.

Lastly, Berger presented the council with a list of un-cashed utlity checks, and a list of 2012 write-off accounts.