The town can replace the basins as the project proceeds. A question was raised on whether the repaving will be curb-to-curb or only over what is removed. It was pointed out the most of the project will involve curb-to-curb digging anyway.

In other business, the council met with John Bawcum and Dawn Kroh to discuss the town's existing walking trail, and plans for progress into and through downtown.

A $150,000 RTP grant is available, but requires a local match of $37,500. Part of the match can be met through local labor and use of local equipment. There is a $3,500 grant-writing fee, but 80 percent is refundable. The grant would be used to extend the trail downtown.

The council voted to pursue the RTP grant. Kroh also mentioned an INDOT grant for up to $250,000 for the Safe Routes to School program. More information will be presented later. A question was raised about future maintenance for the trail. It was noted this is also a concern for the Panhandle Pathway group. It is hoped a fund can be set up to cover maintenance through an endowment.

The council also heard a request from Jon Frain, representing the Winamac Kiwanis Club and relayed by town manager Jim Conner, for permission to re-establish the Fall Farmers Market on the second Saturday in September. The council had no objections.

Wanda Zahrt, representing the Iris-Elm Garden Club, met with the board to request permission for club members to plant the cement planters downtown with flowers for the summer season, and to maintain them. She offered to visit with business owners who have planters in front of their establishments to advise them of the new plan. The council okayed the proposal.

It was shared that IMPA is offering a program to promote energy efficiency that is available to commercial and industrial customers that will reduce energy and save money. Interested firms may contact Conner at 946-3451.

The council approved the low bid of $9,500 from Brown Services of Rochester to mow cemeteries this summer.

Park manager Don Thompson reported he has completed upkeep work on his office over the winter months, and has been picking up brush and cleaning out the fence rows. The back section of the town park is now open. Thompson will retire in March 2012. Rick Dilts will work with him this summer to learn the job; and in lieu of a part-time worker this summer.

Electric superintendent Doug Shorter informed the council his department has been putting up the new LED lights and clearing lines.

Police chief Mike Buchanan presented his monthly information and statistics, and reported on Operation Pullover, in effect through March 20. He discussed preparations for the usual problems at the town park with warm weather approaching. He will let the council know when the overtime begins. Council member John Plowman noted he has received numerous complaints about speeding on Monticello and Market streets and Riverside Drive. 

Conner reported that the school and courthouse have asked if they can apply for the town's 50/50 sidewalk replacement plan. Because the program is intended for residential properties, residents will be given first priority for the program. If funds remain after all interested residents have been considered, the program can be offered to the courthouse, and possibly the school.

The council approved a compliance form for the ISIS Theatre tax abatement granted last year.

A meeting with the town's larger electric accounts will be held April 14 for a presentation on the Automated Energy Program. It will be up to the individual businesses to signup and pay for any expense involved.

Conner also reported that INDOT will replace the bridge over U.S. 35 at the Indian Head Motel this summer.

Conner presented his 1-3-5-year capital plan for all three of the utilities.

Informational material on PEAK Community Services was distributed to council members for informational purposes.