The Town Council of Winona Lake, Indiana met in a regular session on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 in the Town Hall at 7:00 a.m. Councilpersons noted as present or absent:

COUNCIL PRESENT: Jeff Carroll, Jerry Clevenger, Dave Delp, Joy Lohse, Retha Hicks

ABSENT: Rolly Ortega

OTHERS PRESENT: Craig Allebach, Pete O’Connell, Paul Schmitt

Town Council President Dave Delp called the meeting to order. He opened in prayer and led the pledge of allegiance.

Minutes:

Jerry Clevenger made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 13, 2007 Council Meeting. Joy Lohse seconded the motion. The motion passed

“Winona Happenings”

March 11, 7:30 p.m. – “Second Sunday Series” at Rodeheaver Auditorium

March 19, 2:00 p.m. – 107.3 “Talk of the Town” with Dave Delp

Floor Topics:

Park Avenue Vacation: Jerry Nelson made a statement regarding the possible vacation on Park Avenue. He was concerned that the neighbors have not requested the vacation, that is was initiated by the town. If the vacation is turned down, the adjacent residents could not seek a vacation for a period of two years. He was also concerned about the costs to the town attorney and the town engineer to do the legal work, surveying, etc. on this issue.

Vacation of Park Avenue:

The Town has received the legal description of the area in question. Larry Long is also looking at a legal description of the area down by the boat launch. The status of that area has been in question for several years. Is it a right-of-way? The council needs that information to help them in making their decision in the other area. Until all information is received, the council needs to table the issue. Retha stated that the expenses for the work done by our town engineer and town attorney is minimal ($150.00) compared to the expenses that have been incurred by the taxpayers of the town for the canal lawsuit (approximately $80,000.00). Several vacations have been initiated by the town in recent years to clean up small tracts of land and get them on the tax rolls. Jerry Clevenger made a motion to table this issue. Joy Lohse seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Contract for Winona Lake Poster:

Jennifer Ortega has painted a poster for the Town for the past ten years as part of the July 4^th celebration. She has decided to resign from that position. She will be greatly missed. Jerry McCoy, a photographer has been contacted to do a poster for this year. He is willing to do it and an agreement has been drawn up paying him $250.00 for the production of the 2007 poster. Joy Lohse made a motion to approve the contract. Jerry Clevenger seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Approval for Purchase of Salt Spreader:

The big salt spreader broke down during the recent snowstorm. The spreader is ten years old and is scheduled to be replaced next year so Pete looked into having it repaired. The cost of repairs was approximately $2,000. Pete received quotes for a new salt spreader. W.A. Jones provided the low quote of $7,295. Jerry Clevenger made a motion to replace the salt spreader this year and to accept the bid by W. A. Jones. Joy Lohse seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Waiver of Wastewater Fees:

One of the wastewater accounts had a balance of $1.08 that was not taken care of. Penalties and late fees have added up to $50.40. Retha is requested that the council waive these fees. Jerry Clevenger made a motion to waive the fees. Joy Lohse seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Reports from Supervisors;

Greenway: Craig stated that a grand opening celebration for the Greenway is scheduled for May 4^th. The ribbon cutting will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the Chinworth location and at 1:00 at the Roy Street entrance to the Heritage Trail Greenway. Governor Daniels is expected to attend. Craig also stated that he will be attending a meeting regarding the uniformity of signs along the trail.

250 East: This project is scheduled for a May 17^th letting. Additional funds for the project have been approved by the state. Craig stated that currently the cost of construction of this project is $3.4 million. That is double the cost when the project started seven years ago.

Snow Removal Ordinance: This is the first time this ordinance has been used. Anytime there is two inches of snow or more, there is no parking on one side of the street or the other until the snow is removed. Overall it went reasonable well. There were a few problems to be worked out. The important thing is for neighbors to work together.

Police Department: Paul Schmitt stated that the new police car should be here this week. The agreement regarding purchasing accident reports online is in limbo statewide. The wording of the contractor’s agreement needs to be changed to allow reports to be available at the station. State open door law requires it.

Lake Spill: Joy Lohse gave an update on the recent spill on the lake. She has talked to both the DNR and IDEM who are both on top of the situation. The DNR is conducting autopsies on the dead birds. Dalton Foundry has put absorbent materials and booms by the outfall drain to take care of the petroleum. The investigation of the incident is continuing. A discussion took place regarding pollution of the lake and the environment and what individual citizens can do to help the situation.

FEMA: Retha stated that the Town has heard from Ed Rock, County Emergency Management and FEMA. Ed stated that the town would qualify for disaster monies from the recent storm. Retha has a report from the various departments regarding monies spent on the storm.

The meeting was adjourned.

____________________ _________________

DAVID DELP RETHA S. HICKS

PRESIDENT CLERK-TREASURER