Winamac Town Council to purchase seasonal banners

Funding for the town’s portion could be used from the Winamac Economic Development Commission fund. Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger will research. Councilmember Judy Heater made a motion to purchase banners for an amount not to exceed $2,000, and the council passed the motion unanimously.

In other business, Zellers told the council that the town is a recipient of a Community Foundation of Pulaski County grant to be used for bathrooms along the Winamac Parkway.

Town Manager’s Report:

The Winamac Plan Commission will meet in August regarding the Gardner property north of town, donated for the purpose of a new senior assisted living project, to be built by the Pulaski Health Foundation.
The town will apply for the INDOT Community Crossings Grant this year.
Mike Richardson, from the water department, was involved in an auto accident and will be out of work for approximately six months.
Council member Judy Heater asked if the parking lot at the Community Wellness Center (formerly the YMCA) could be paved. After discussion, the town will fix the holes.

Clerk-Treasurer’s Report:

Umbaugh & Associates, the town's accounting firm, provided a letter to the council regarding the water project and projected water rate increase.
The Panhandle Pathway organization will sponsor a bike ride Aug. 5, and a flier was provided to the council for their information.
Ordinance No. 6 of 2017: "An Ordinance Authorizing the Borrowing of Funds from the Electric Depreciation Fund by the Water Department to Supplement the Water Construction Project of the Town of Winamac, Indiana" was presented to the council. Discussion was held. The council voted to approve the ordinance.
Ordinance No. 7 of 2017: "An Ordinance Regulating the Use of the Town Dump of the Town of Winamac, Indiana" was presented to the council. Discussion was held. The council voted to approve the ordinance.
The IntraLocal Government Agreement Between the Town of Winamac Board of Parks and Recreation and the Town of Winamac, Indiana was discussed. A meeting needs to be scheduled between the parks and recreation board and the town council.
Resolution No. 7 of 2017: "A Resolution Approving the IntraLocal Agreement Between the Town of Winamac Board of Parks and Recreation and the Town of Winamac" was presented to the council. Discussion was held. The council voted to approve the resolution.
The contract with Umbaugh for help in preparing the 2018 budget was discussed with the council. The contracted cost will be in an amount not to exceed $6,000. The council voted to approve the contract and authorized the clerk-treasurer to execute the contract.
Umbaugh would like to schedule a time for review of the 2018 budget. The meeting will be Aug. 22, at 9:30 a.m., in the Winamac Town Hall, Clerk-Treasurer’s Office.

Department Reports:

Town Marshal Mike Buchanan provided his written monthly statistics. The bicycle is being used to patrol the town park. Buchanan would like to look into reserve officers for the town. There is a new law to become effective Jan. 1 next year wherein the town would be responsible for medical expenses, etc. should a reserve officer be injured. Worker’s Compensation has a $1,000 annual premium. It was decided to do more research on accident expenses.

Water and Street Superintendent Jeremy Beckner was not able to attend the meeting. His written monthly report was provided to the council members in their packets.

Electric Superintendent Doug Shorter reported his department is working on tree clearance and continuing to work on the police station and that insulation is being installed. The department working on the hookups for the power July 13-16. There have been power issues in Van Meter Park, so the electric has been upgraded in that area. The department has been replacing the poles and globes in Riverwood Commons due to vandalism.

Wastewater Foreman Waylon Burke reported his department is helping the electric department at the police station, and has also performed numerous locates for Lightstream. The department is mowing and spraying weeds. It has replaced gravel and added Quick Crete, black dirt and grass seed at the park by the hill. They have repaired a water leak at the intersection of Franklin and Jefferson streets; helped Water and Street Department with a fire hydrant; painted the green Safe Routes to School section on Superior Street; and continue with daily duties at the wastewater plant.

Other Business:

Aaron Hutton appeared before the town council to introduce the Wessler Engineers firm. The company has offices throughout Indiana, and Hutton works from the Fort Wayne office. Wessler Engineers specialize in water, wastewater, storm water and some transportation projects. With Hutton was Jeff Birks who told the council that Wessler Engineers look for long term relationships with their customers.

The council approved three docket claims for payroll and one for council/town administration.

Council member Dan Vanaman asked what date fireworks could no longer be set off, and Buchanan reported the date is July 11, two hours after sunset.

Buchanan asked the council for permission on behalf of Adam and Jill Collins for the town to again host the annual Rick Haschel run on July 15. Council gave its permission.

Council president Tom Murray stated the bricks at the depot are uneven and are a hazard. The town manager will look into this.

Council member Alvin Parish asked if there is any way to install a sliding door at the Town Office to keep the leaves and debris from the entry way. It was noted that currently, the door is not ADA compliant, and with the replacement of the window from the accident, now would be a good time to become ADA compliant.