Last fall, she asked the council for a commitment of $150,000 and the council agreed. At last week's March meeting she asked if the council would commit to $200,000. Following discussion, councilmembers voted 4-1 to give the pool committee $150,000 payable to the Pulaski County Community Foundation. Council vice president Tom Murray voted in opposition.

 A letter will be written from the Town stating the council agrees with the project and will also manage the pool. 

In other business, downtown businesswoman Alex Haschel appeared before the council on behalf of "Wander Our Winamac" (WOW), an organization working toward becoming a Main Street community. She asked for permission to organize a spring garden festival with the proceeds donated to WOW.

The festival will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 28. She also asked permission to block off the downtown streets of Pearl, Main and Market. Currently, Haschel has 20 vendors who would like to participate. The council voted to approve the festival requests. The electric department will work with Haschel to provide electric services. Haschel said she would check with Chris Smith and the Boy Scout organization for the removal of garbage. The Town will also provide a truck for the garbage.

Theresa Calloway, representing the Pulaski County Fair Board, addressed the council regarding ADA compliance at the park and the renewal of the fair lease. Purdue has completed a study for Pulaski County and provided a report for areas to address. Calloway asked the council to renew the contract so that the fair board can begin compliance. The council agreed. The town attorney and town manager will work with the fair board regarding the lease.

Town Manager Brad Zeller’s report:

1. Long Branch Hotel taxes: The county’s attorney is researching if the county can forgive the taxes due on the Long Branch Hotel real estate.

2. Worker’s Compensation requirements: The Town is going to require Worker’s Compensation from independent contractors.

3. Truck quotes: Discussion was held regarding quotes on pickup trucks. The council voted to purchase a Dodge truck from Braun's for the Electric Department for $25,457 plus approximately $300 for a spray-in bed liner; and to purchase a Ford truck from Dobson’s in the amount of $24,090 plus the cost of a spray-in bed liner.

4. Fireworks: On behalf of Scott Roudebush, Zellers asked the council for permission to collect fireworks donations as the Town did last year. The fireworks will be held at the school again this year. The council agreed to accept the payments.

5. Town Woods: There is an issue with contracts dumping in the town woods from homeowners. A new ordinance will be prepared.

6. Farmer’s Market: The CDC and Pulaski Memorial Hospital would like to host a Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings and are asking to use the Town’s parking lot.  Council approved.

7. Tree City: The current ordinance has the name Greenspace Winamac and the Tree Committee would like to change it to Winamac Tree Committee. An ordinance will be prepared.

8. Cemetery Cleanup is scheduled for March 28.

9. CPR First Aid training is scheduled for March 15-16.

10. A resolution for authorized representative needs approval by the council for the SRF Loan. The council voted its approval.

Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger's report:

1. IACT is hosting roundtables in the area. The council was asked if anyone would like to attend. 

2. The fire contract from Harrison Township was received and needs council approval. The council voted approval.

3. The county has asked to list the Town Council on its website and is also asking if the council would like contact phone numbers included. Council approved.

4. The Debt Management, Other Post-Employment Benefits and the Annual Finance Report have all been submitted with the Department of Local Government Finance before the due dates.

5. The first reading was given of Ordinance # 4 of 2016: An Ordinance Establishing a Materiality Threshold for Reporting Irregular Material Variances, Losses, Shortages and Thefts. Discussion was held. 

6. Ordinance # 3 of 2016: An Ordinance Establishing Connection and Disconnection Charges for the Winamac Municipal Electrical Utility and the Waterworks of the Town of Winamac, Indiana was presented to the council. Discussion was held, and then the council voted its approval.

Department Reports:

Town Marshal Mike Buchanan presented the statistical report for February. Matt Pickens graduated Feb. 28; and the new police car is in. The blue car will be taken out of service soon. The Town is going to keep the blue car and the white Impala will be taken to auction. Council President Ken McFarland asked if the department had a code book. The department does not have the most recent and will be provided copies.

Wastewater foreman Waylon Burke reported that he had the mower serviced; removed the pump to free a line; fixed a tube on top of the vac truck; and fixed the grinder in the influent. The CSO monitors have been cleaned. He attended a mosquito seminar. He jetted the lines on 15th Street. It was determined the sink hole at Family Express was not the Town’s to repair. The department moved the drying beds; serviced the blower; plowed snow; drained the pool; and repaired a service line in Terrace Drive.

Water and Street Superintendent Jeremy Beckner reported his department continues to pick up brush and leaves; removed snow with the help of the electric and wastewater departments; helped remove ash trees at the park; cleared brush between the riverbank and fence at the plant; patched potholes; and installed the last meter at Brauns. Beckner provided quotes from the well and motor for pump # 2. Council agreed to Peerless Midwest.

Electric Superintendent Doug Shorter reported that his department has been working on street light issues; helped NIPSCO replace a pole in an alley; replaced a transformer behind Sander’s IGA; helped with snow removal; replaced a pole that was hit out of Town; and is changing out old poles.

Before adjournment, the council held a discussion regarding a business on the south end of town; and the noise ordinance was addressed.