Winamac Council votes down pilot 'urban chicken' program

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Published: Thursday, 14 January 2016 23:21

WINAMAC – The Winamac Town Council voted 3-2 at its Jan. 11 monthly meeting against a pilot program which would allow private residents to raise “urban chickens” within the town.

Resident Maggie Czech, who has approached the council before to propose allowing chickens in town, updated the council on her continuing research of other such programs in Indiana towns. She urged the council to adopt a one-year pilot program.

Over the past several years, many towns and cities across the country have changed their ordinances to allow for backyard chicken-keeping, particularly for at home egg production.

Following discussion, councilwoman Judy Heater made a motion to allow the pilot program for one year. Councilman Dan Vanaman said he would approve the program if the neighbors were to be consulted. But the motion failed following the vote, with Heater and Vanaman voted for the measure, and Ken McFarland, Tom Murray and Jim Watkins opposing it. Murray explained he voted against the pilot program because last summer the 4-H program did not allow chickens at the fair due to a disease issue.

In other business, Nancy Wright spoke to the council regarding Iris Elm Garden Club plans to install a Blue Star Memorial marker near the freight depot. The Blue Star Memorial Program honors all men and women who serve in the United States Armed Services. This program is a project of the National Council of State Garden Clubs. Following discussion, the council voted to allow the Iris Elm Club to proceed with the project on the designated area at the depot,

John Bawcum invited the council to the Panhandle Pathway’s fish fry Saturday (Jan. 16) at the VFW. The money raised will maintain and operate the pathway.  He asked the for the Council’s support.

Town Manager Brad Zellers reported on the following:

1. Appointments to the Board of Zoning, Winamac Plan Commission and Winamac Economic Development were presented to the Council: Greg Henry as the Winamac Plan Commission Republican member and Board of Zoning as the Plan Commission Representative; Sherry O’Conner as the citizen member Democrat to the Board of Zoning; and John Plowman as the Winamac Plan Commission, Democrat member and Community Development Commission of Pulaski County.  The council voted its approval.
2. The town’s health insurance costs are increasing. Annual quotes were received:  United Healthcare (current insurance) - $10,981; Time Insurance - $7,836; and Starmark - $12,364.  After discussion, the council voted to accept Time Insurance as the healthcare provider for the Town of Winamac.
3. The Winamac Volunteer Fire Department Contract for 2016 was presented to the Council for approval and signature. The council voted to approve the contract as written.
4. A suggestion to install two roads in the new cemetery property was discussed.
5. Discussion was held regarding implementing a Park Board.
6. The State of Indiana is selling a bicentennial torch that can be mounted on a pole. The council voted to purchase a 5-foot torch. The cost of the torch will be paid from the promotion of business appropriation.

Clerk-Treasurer  Melanie Berger reported on the following:

1. Investments balances as of Dec. 31 were presented to the council.
2. Ordinance # 1 of 2016: An Ordinance Authorizing the Assessment of an Insufficient Funds Service Fee for Payments Made to the Municipal Waterworks, Sewage Works, and Electrical Utilities of the Town of Winamac, Indiana as presented to the council.  The town is being charged for non-sufficient fees, thus, the town needs to charge the customer these fees. The council voted to approve the ordinance.
3. Two reports have been filed through Gateway: The 100R was filed on Jan. 8 which is due by Jan. 31. The Debt Management Report was filed on Jan. 11 which is due on March 1.
4. Nepotism and conflict of interest forms were presented to the council for signatures.  Nepotism rules have changed and town attorney Justin Schramm explained to the council the need for a new ordinance. This one would replace Ordinance # 5 of 2012 with the new requirements. A meeting was scheduled for Friday, Jan. 15, to act on the new ordinance.
5. Newly-elected official training in Indianapolis is Jan. 19-21. 

Department Reports:

Town Marshal Mike Buchanan provided the monthly statistic report to the council. He also reported that all of the officers have had the required 24 hours of training for 2015.  He also asked the council to consider allowing his department to use the sand hill at the town woods for fire arms training. They have training two times a year. The council approved the request.

Electric superintendent Doug Shorter reported that his department replaced poles in Van Meter Park; took down the Christmas decorations; and continue to do line clearance. The Water, Street, and Wastewater departments helped during the power outage due to the Dec. 29 ice storm. The hot stick and fiberglass were inspected. The school transformer has been installed but will not be connected until this summer. Shorter has received word that the new truck is being assembled, and he will be able to inspect it in about two to three weeks.

Water and Street superintendent Jeremy Beckner said his department continues to pick up brush since the ice storm; worked with the electric department during the ice storm, repaired a water leak on Riverside Drive in front of the school; installed a 6” and 2” tap at the hospital and has salted the roads.  Beckner presented the council with a quote for new anodes in the water tank. Discussion was held. The council voted to purchase the anode as presented.

Wastewater foreman Waylon Burke reported to the council that the pumps were pulled at a lift station. The department has also cleaned the pad; jetted lines; assisted the electric department during the ice storm; assisted the water department with the water leak; cleaned and waxed the vac truck and completed inspections at Brauns and Plymouth Tube.

In old business, town manager Zellers reported that the gas line has been unhooked and as soon as the county has trucks available for hauling, demolition will begin at the Longbranch Hotel.