In other business, Steve Carter of H.J. Umbaugh & Associates, explained to the council the necessary steps and charges needed to fund the local portion of the upcoming state-mandated sewer separation project. Carter introduced a proposed ordinance to establish a schedule of rates and charges to be collected by the town from property owners served by the sewage works.

The board was told that since it already has outstanding debt due to the first phase of the project, it must meet higher requirements for the current phase. This will amount to about a 34 percent across-the-board increase, which will be much less that it should have been without the $3.3 million grant obtained for the town. A public hearing on the project will be held Oct. 11 before the next regular council meeting.

Residents Phil and Jenny White appeared before the council, with a list of neighbors’ signatures, to request the installation of stop signs at the intersection of 12th and Hathaway streets, making the intersection a four-way stop. The purpose is to increase safety for neighborhood children when motorists use Hathaway as a shortcut to avoid the stoplight at SR 14 & US 35. Following discussion, the council approved the request.

Park manager Don Thompson reported that Dale Abbott has fixed all the welds on the Swinging Bridge, the loose boards have been replaced, concrete has been poured around the west boat ramp, and volunteers from area Lutheran churches provided the labor to paint the bridge.

He added that he has fixed several water leaks in the park. Also, there was another incidence of vandalism in the park, all the spigots were turned on full force and an attempt to overturn a vending machine failed.

Police chief Mike Buchanan requested that the drug-free policy that he previously presented to the council be approved and added to the police handbook. The council voted to approve the request. Buchanan also presented the monthly police report and statistics to the council. Calls were down for the month of July. The police chief said he believes overtime patrols in the park can be suspended at present, with the stipulation that overtime patrol be re-instated if needed. Police officers on duty will continue to patrol the park on a regular basis.

Kevin Roe, street and water superintendent, told the council that the fire hydrant inventory is approaching completion. The problem hydrants have been fixed or replaced, and all hydrants will have a designated number on maps with the type of hydrant. The maps will be provided to the fire department.

Roe also reported that several more businesses need to have water meters changed, but the task will be easier to complete in cooler weather. Councilman Tom Murray asked how many man-hours the new meters will save each month. Roe responded about 200 hours.

Wastewater superintendent Brad Zellers reported that his department has been focused on maintenance. Several lines needed to be televised and cleaned before the sewer separation project begins. The sludge will soon be given away for fertilizer purposes.

Clerk treasurer Judy Heater presented an ordinance authorizing reduction in appropriations from the 2010 budget to gree up funds for the upcoming budget. The council approved the ordinance which will allow $127,000 in reductions. Heater also requested permission to remove a list of accounts from the books, with the understanding that the monies may still be collected before the customers can be put back on town lines. The council approved the request.

The council voted to accept the low bid of $61,661 from Central Paving of Logansport for the fall paving projects.

Town manager Jim Conner told the council that two bids have been received from Terry Trucking, one to put a dump bed on the tanker truck, and one to put a snowplow on the Freightliner. The bids were taken under advisement. Conner said a bid for a new blade is needed instead of changing the old one. The old snow plow that is out-of-commission will be taken to auction.

The council also:
•voted to increase its insurance coverage to $5 million.
•learned of the receipt of an informational letter from IDEM regarding the old dump site.
•held a short discussion on the future of the recycling and transfer station.