Bennett reported he has also spoken with Mary Sue Link about the property she owns along the pathway. She is willing to sell the approximately 2-½ acre lot for $20,000, but if the town purchases the property, she will take $5,000 off the selling price. It was noted the environmental study will be the delay on the project. Bennett asked the council for permission to build a shelter house on the west side of the old depot or pursue purchase of Mary Sue Link’s property. He would like to see downtown Winamac as the destination point on the pathway.

Council members Richard Denney, Tom Murray and Dan Vanaman support the concept, but question where the funds would come from for purchasing the real estate. Attorney John Kocher suggested putting a hold on the shelter house until Scheffer can present the plans for the shelter to the council next month.

Panhandle Pathway representative John Bawcum appeared before the council to report that consultants Dan and Ginny Dolezal have raised the funds necessary to finish the Panhandle Pathway to the town limits. There is a 374-foot stretch of pathway that needs to be completed to Burson Street. From the town limits, there is approximately 175 feet to be paved. Cost is $15 per foot, and the Panhandle Pathway is willing to split this cost with the Town making the pathway paved to Burson Street. The council vogted to pay from the Rainy Day Fun $2,805 for the paving of the pathway and granted permission to pave pathway from where the Panhandle currently ends to Burson Street.

Town manager James Conner presented a letter to the council regarding the changes to the application with the Safe Routes to School grant: Main Street as northern corridor to use the stop light as the cross walk at U.S. 35; Superior Street doesn’t need the sidewalk repair due to it being a one-way street, thus the savings used to repair sidewalks on the west side of Riverside Drive. The council voted to sign the letter with the changes as presented to the Safe Routes to School grant.

Eric Walsh of Umbaugh Associates presented the 2012 financial management reports to the council. Discussion followed about having the reports prepared three-times-a-year or every six months. Both the town manager and clerk-treasurer would like to see the reports every six months. The council voted to change the reports from three-time-a-year to every six months. Richard Denney opposed the motion.

Joel Roper, IMPA representative, informed the council that NIPSCO would like to see either IMPA or the Town take ownership of Plymouth Tube’s transformer. Negotiations have been underway for approximately 15 months.

Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Burger presented Resolution No. 2 of 2013, "Appointing a New Commissioner to the Indiana Municipal Power Agency" to the council. The council voted approval.

Burger also presented the council with copies of Umbaugh’s invoices for the preparation of year-end reports, and a list of dates that she will be out of the office in 2013 (that she knows of at this time).

The council voted to accept the Monroe Fire Contract, as presented. The council also approved the Pulaski County YMCA lease, as presented.

Report items:

Street/Water superintendent Kevin Roe reported that leaf pick up has begun. There is an issue with contractors hauling to the Town dumping site. The streets have been swept, holes are being patched, and the alleys are being graded with additional stone. There are meter pits that need to be replaced. Roe asked for permission to attend the IRWA meeting in Columbus. This seminar will count toward credits for continuing education. The council approved. Roe advised that work continues in the restrooms for ADA compliance at the complex. All meters have been switched, and the fire hydrants will be flushed the first of May. Water can be obtained from the complex now and not at the hydrants. Ninety percent of the water project plans have been received and letting bids will be in May.

Electric superintendent Doug Shorter reported the following: continued line clearance and taking out smaller trees; cleaned cemetery; cleaned scrap metal; hospital is adding to the new addition; and little bucket truck has issues and is at McKinley’s now. Denney complimented Shorter on a job well done behind Harold’s house. There are two spots that will need to be repaired.

Park superintendent Rick Dilts reported that summer help Lisa White began April 8. Goals in the soccer area will be set up after the lines are painted; high school varsity and JV softball games have begun; basketball goals and volleyball nets are being installed; and the back of the park opened April 1. “Little Obie”, the train, was in the back of the park with Head Start April 8. The park board has met and prepared a priority list for the next few years. A quote from Schambers for the mortar/tuck point work was received.

Police Chief Mike Buchanan stated that the locks on the doors and evidence room are being replaced. He asked permission for more protection in the evidence room and asked for a gun safe for safety reasons. A discussion followed, and Buchanan will obtain prices on a gun safe. Buchanan also stated that there will be an officer retiring, and he would like to add a few officers on part-time. The Town has extra uniforms.

Wastewater superintendent Brad Zellers reported he has started the flow to the outside clarifier. The pool needs some work. ADA work is completed, except for the ramps at the front of the building and it was decided to wait until the fall for this. His department is currently jetting the lines. Quotes will be sent for CIPP lining.

Town manager's report:

1. Manager Conner presented the council with Ordinance # 6 of 2013, "An Ordinance to Change the Months that the Sprinkler Rate is in Effect." Discussion was held to include commercial usage. The council approved the first reading, as amended.
2. Conner presented the council with Ordinance # 7 of 2013, " An Ordinance to Change the Name of the Winamac Tree Committee." The ordinance was approved in a 3-1 vote, with Murray opposing.
3. Conner presented an Arbor Day Proclamation. The council voted to adopt April 26, 2013 as Arbor Day.
4. Conner presented the council with correspondence from EMC Insurance Companies regarding claims from  Don Darda and Charles Rebeck. The council was also advised the Town will be getting a letter regarding the motorcycle accident at the park yet this year.
5. Conner presented the council with the cost for equipment on pole for irrigation. Discussion was held. Council member Denney stated that 16.24-year payback period is excessive.
6. Conner informed the council that Alliance of Indiana Rural Water is hosting a board training for small utilities in three locations.
7. Conner informed the council that there are a few more items to complete for ADA compliance.
8. Conner presented the council with a quote from Schambers Masonry, Inc. for mortar and masonry repair at the front park gates. He has also received a proposal for repaving the entire walking trail from Central Paving, Inc. in the amount of $33,273. Discussion was held. The council approved the tuck-point work at the front park gates from Schambers Masonry, Inc. in the amount of $7,985. Discussion was also held regarding the roofing on the shelter houses.
9. Conner Informed the council that the Moose will host a car show on May 11. The Chamber of Commerce is planning the Germanfest for Aug. 10.
10. Conner said county building inspector Dave Dare has reported there are four vacant homes in town that do not pass the safe building code.
11. The County has agreed to lend the patching machine to the Town for repairs to the streets.
12. Conner informed the council that health insurance quotes are still being sought.
13. Conner reported there is still some money from SRF. There is a meeting set to discuss these funds.
14. Conner reported that, regarding the hotel feasibility study, the Chamber of Commerce and CDC will donate toward this study with the Town paying the balance. The Town Manager will be in contact with Mr. Siebert.
15. INDOT has approved the contract with Green 3 for the Safe Routes to School, and the environmental study can begin. The council voted to approve the contract with Green 3.

Council discussion:

Council member John Plowman reported there are trailers parking on the railroad property the Town owns. The town manger will address the issue.

Council member Denney reported the car on Burson Street has been removed. He also asked if the IACT annual survey has been prepared. Conner has prepared it, and results will be given to each council member. 

Denney is now the representative for DPC and explained it is a very worthwhile program. He also feels that someone from the Town who has the interest and background in the area would be more beneficial as a representative to DPC. He will continue to be the Town’s representative until someone more appropriate can be appointed. Plowman asked Chief Buchanan if someone from his department could be appointed. Buchanan will ask his deputies.