John Bawcum and Fred Kasten, on behalf of Panhandle Pathway, asked permission from the council to continue the trail north of SR 14 along the railroad right-of-way to the town limits. They have the approval from Tom Halleck to continue the pathway through his property to the Robert’s Ditch. Discussion was held regarding a bridge across SR 14, and Bawcum stated that topic would be addressed in the future. Bawcum informed the council that Panhandle Pathway would proceed to obtain federal funding RTP grant monies. The council voted 4-1 to give the Panhandle Pathway organization permission to move forward with the project and to work with town manager Brad Zellers. Councilmember Dan Vanaman voted in opposition for reason that he feels the bridge across the highway should be in place before the continuation of the trail.

In other business, Shawn Cain with K-IRPC asked the council to consider Resolution No. 3 of 2017: A Resolution Providing for the Approval of the Study Performed on the Town of Winamac Water and Stormwater System. The board voted to adopt the resolution, as presented.

Resident Sheila Jimenez appeared before the council to ask for permission to host a street party in July. Discussion followed, and council approved the band to play until midnight.

Department Reports:

Electric superintendent Doug Shorter reported to the council that his department has been removing dead ash trees with help from Jeff Heims on the bigger trees and stump removal. They removed a maple tree; did some electric work at the police station; replaced poles and a transformer from a storm. The department disconnected power from the downtown March 4 fire, but was able to provide power to one of the businesses. The west project is to begin on March 20. There are issues with the line truck’s brakes. Shorter will start pricing for a new truck. The department tore out an old room in the complex. Councilmember Vanaman commended the department for the removal of the ash trees.

Water and street superintendent Jeremy Beckner reported the sweeper has been in use but needs to be repaired. His department continues to pick up leaves and brush; has changed radio read antennas; repaired a water leak on Market and 17th streets; and hauled sand to the park for the new volleyball court.

Wastewater foreman Waylon Burke reported that the affluent has been drained and pressure washed. The department helped the water and street department repair two water leaks; jetted lines in Terrace Drive; hauled sledge; set up chlorine at West Washington Street and Riverside Drive, and repaired a lift station. John helped with the fire; and Barry is working towards the pesticide license.

Town marshal Mike Buchanan presented his monthly statistics. He reported that all officers have had two-hour CPR training; Officer Campbell prequalified for being a hand gun instructor; Officer Pickens attended breathalyzer school to be an operator. The officers will continue to use the county’s data master for breathalyzers. There were no claims to the hospital this month. Through LOIB, the police department purchased Tasers and each officer will be certified through Officer Gaillard. The department also purchased rifles and each officer will carry once they are qualified.

Winamac Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brian Guzman reported the fire department responded to 23 first responder calls, four fire calls, three accidents, two trainings, and one business training. Three firemen attended a PPE seminar. The annual SCDA flow test was done. Nine fire departments with a total of 74 firefighters responded to the March 4 downtown fire, together with two arial trucks. Councilmember Alvin Parish asked if there were new members and Chief Guzman explained that training is limited, but they are still looking for members. Councilmember Judy Heater asked if there was specific training for the fire chief, and Guzman said there is and he is looking into it.

There was no town manager’s report.

Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger reported on the following:

• Ordinance No. 4 of 2017 was presented to the council for review. If this is something the council would like to consider, then the town’s attorney will draft per Indiana State Code, and the ordinance will be presented at the April meeting for adoption.
• Berger has been awarded the IIMC Conference grant to attend the annual conference in Montreal, Quebec. This grant will cover the conference registration fee only.
• The Pulaski County Journal is looking to publish a magazine called “Pulaski Essentials” and asked if the council would be interested in an advertisement. After discussion, the council voted to purchase a full-page ad in the amount of $300.
• The following deadlines were met:

1. By March 1, 2017 – Video Franchise Fee Report was mailed to the Communications Division – Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in Indianapolis.
2. The Economic Development Reporting was submitted to the DLGF through the Gateway porthole on Feb. 20. The deadline for submission is March 1.
3. The annual Financial Report was submitted to the State Board of Accounts through the Gateway porthole on Feb. 24. The deadline for submission was March 1.

• Clerk-Treasurer Berger attended the Winamac Volunteer Fire Department meeting on March 9. The fire department would like to meet with a few council members to discuss the contract. Council president Tom Murray and Councilmember Vanaman will meet with the fire department.
• Cemetery Cleanup is scheduled for March 31.

Councilmember Parish asked if the town would like for him to disc the new cemetery property. It was advised to contact the town manager to work out details.