In other business, the council approved a 1.5 percent pay raise for town employees next year, after a lengthy discussion. It was a split decision, with Tom Murray and John Plowman voting in favor of the measure, John Behny and James DeArmond opposing it, and Rod Button abstaining. According to rules, clerk-treasurer Judy Heater cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of the motion.
In a related matter, Plowman discussed changing the clerk-treasurer’s salary wording, in accordance with a state board of accounts recommendation. The council tabled the discussion until next year.
In his report, police chief Mike Buchanan reported that there were two home burglaries last month, but both were solved and arrests made. He also reported that juvenile arrests for vandalism, minor consumption and battery were up last month. Buchanan said that Halloween Trick-or-Treating went “very smoothly.” The council followed-up the police report with a short discussion on Halloween safety.
Water and street superintendent Kevin Roe reported on several leaks that were fixed last month. He added that leaf pick up is ongoing. A lost truck driver on 12thStreet ran over and broke a fire hydrant that has since been repaired. The auto-read water meters are about 95 percent installed. Roe has 200 hydrants to winterize in the next several weeks.
Wastewater superintendent Brad Zellers reported that he has been winterizing the clarifiers. Employee Ron Thomas has passed his latest operator’s test. The town pool is almost ready for winter. Zellers added the town needs to look into the cost of replacing the fiberglass liner in the pool, which will be costly. He also noted that the vacuum truck is having some problems.
Park manager Don Thompson has been making winter preparations. He reported there are some problems with beavers destroying trees. He will look into having someone trap them.
Fire chief Bill Weaver presented the names of two potential members to the volunteer fire department, Chad Conley and Ray Wegner. The council approved the two candidates, pending the fire department’s approval. Weaver discussed manpower issues at daytime fires being a problem at times, but added that surrounding towns are always willing to help out when asked. He also reported that the recent convoy drill at the state park was “very beneficial” to the fire department.
Town manager Jim Conner reported the new recycling truck has been delivered. The old red pickup will now be taken to Olson’s next auction.
The council voted to accept and sign the interlocal agreement between the Town of Winamac and the Star City Sewer Conservancy. The agreement will now be presented at the next Conservancy meeting to be accepted by Star City.
After some discussion, the council decided that it is in its best interest to maintain its association with IMPA for the remainder of the contract period, and voted accordingly.
Council members Button and Plowman will attend the next IACT (Indiana Association of Cities and Towns) Roundtable on Nov. 16 in Plymouth.
Conner reported to the council that the town did not qualify for the Solar Heater grant for the town pool.
A copy of upcoming holiday schedules for town employees was presented to each council member.
