The Town Council of Winona Lake, Indiana met in a regular session on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 in the Town Hall at 6:00 p.m. Councilpersons noted as present or absent:

COUNCIL PRESENT: Jeff Carroll, Jerry Clevenger, Joy Lohse, Rolly Ortega, Retha Hicks

ABSENT: Dave Delp

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

Town Council Vice- President Joy Lohse called the meeting to order. She opened in prayer and led the pledge of allegiance.

Minutes:

Jerry Clevenger made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 27, 2007 Council Meeting. Jeff Carroll seconded the motion. The motion passed.

“Winona Happenings”

April 16, 2:00 p.m. – 107.3 “Talk of the Town”

April 21 – Healthfest, Westminster Hall

April 24 – Winona Lake Preservation Ass. annual meeting, 7:00 p.m. Ramada Inn

May 4 – 4:00 p.m.- Lake City Greenway and (5:00-5:30) Heritage Trail Dedication

May 4 to 6 – Bike Festival

May 5, 9:00 a.m. – Grace Graduation

Floor Topics:

There were no floor topics.

Wightman Petrie Agreement:

This agreement is for Wightman Petrie to do additional work related to a feasibility study for a wastewater treatment plant. This will include some revisions in the original study, consultation with IDEM, communication with London Witte and communication with all involved parties. Jeff Carroll made a motion to approve the agreement at a cost not to exceed $10,000. Jerry Clevenger seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Waiver of Wastewater Fees and Lien:

The council received a letter from Dean Avey, a Winona Lake resident in regards to a pending lien on his property for non-payment of sewer bills. His house was damaged in a fire last July. His letter stated that he contacted the office to stop wastewater billing. A disconnect process was not completed. At least three letters were sent to him regarding his payments. One letter was returned by the Post Office. Mr. Avey did not respond to any of the letters. He then was contacted personally by the Building Commissioner. He is now requesting that all bills, penalties, late fees, etc. be waived on his account. The Fire Department had the water shut off at the property the day of the fire. No one was sure of the current status of the water service. The council is aware that Mr. Avey had many issues to take care of at that time, but a precedent could be set if an exception is made to the ordinance. Joy Lohse made a motion to forgive payments from August through December, 2006 totaling $175. Rolly Ortega seconded the motion. The vote was two for the motion and two against the motion. In this case, the Clerk-Treasurer votes to break the tie. Retha felt it was important to not set a precedent in this matter, and so voted against the motion.

Rolly Ortega suggested that in the future, when phone calls are received about discontinuing sewer service, the phone conversation should be followed up with a letter to the resident so that the procedure is in writing and there is no confusion. Retha agreed that it was a good idea, and letters will be sent in the future.

Report from Town Engineer:

Larry Long stated that the first phase of the Wooster Road project is still open. There is some landscaping work that needs to be completed. A change order was signed extending the completion date of the project to May 1^st. The weather has held up the landscaping work. Larry has provided final figures of the project to Retha. Retha stated that the total project cost was $173,692. Two thirds of the cost of the final coat of asphalt and the cost of the decorative lights will be paid for by the Town. The total is $41,002.72. The remaining $132,689.32 will be paid for by Grace College. A letter is being sent to Tom Dunn at Grace with the calculations.

Larry has been authorized to begin design work on a small section of Prestwick Street in Stonehenge. This will begin a large project that will take several years to complete. Larry has completed the topographic survey and the preliminary design. Larry felt that the storm drainage in this area will affect the drainage in several areas so he would like to do more topographic surveys and obtain soil borings so he can get a better idea of the areas that need to be improved. Joy Lohse made a motion to proceed with soil borings at a cost not to exceed $4,000. Rolly Ortega seconded the motion. The motion passed. Larry stated that by the May 8^th council meeting he anticipates having the basic soil reports and design concept. The design should be completed by June and the project bid out in July. Construction should be able to begin in late summer.

Report from Town Attorney:

Jim Walmer had nothing to report.

Reports from Supervisors:

Through Trucks Ordinance: Craig announced that the ordinance regarding no through trucks will be strictly enforced. The ordinance is posted on all the major streets in town but there are several trucks going through anyway. It has become a problem, especially on Wooster Road. The streets were not built to handle the heavy weight of trucks continuously using them and damage has been noticed to the road.

FEMA: A representative from FEMA was in town yesterday. He looked at reports detailing costs to clean up after the snow emergency in February. The Town will receive approximately $6,200 to cover clean up costs.

Greenway: It is hoped that asphalt work will be started on the Greenway next week. Paul Schmitt stated that Paul Heaton will be attending Police Bicycle Patrol School in preparation for the opening of the Greenway. Donations are being received to cover expenses related to the bicycle patrol.

250E: May 17^th letting.

Park Board: The Park Board is getting quotes for installing a family restroom between the two restrooms in the park where the concession stand used to be. The Optimists have contacted the Park Board regarding a sidewalk connecting the beach area to the Greenway Trail. This would be helpful to the Optimists during the yearly Triathlon. Pete is checking into upgrading existing bathrooms with commercial toilet units and installing doors in the women’s bathroom stalls.

Healthfest: Paul Schmitt stated that both he and Paul Heaton will be at the Healthfest event at Westminster Hall. They are both certified in installing child carseats.

Fire Department: Mitch Titus stated that donations are being received for extradition equipment.

Bids: Retha stated that bids have been sent out for both garbage service and insurance for the Town. These are usually bid out every three years and seem to save the Town money. Bids will be here for the first meeting in May.

Housing Grant: Retha received a letter from the Indiana Housing Authority in regards to our most recent housing grant closed out. Housing Opportunities of Warsaw has been administering the grants for us. The final inspection took place a few weeks ago and everything was satisfactory. Retha thanked Pam Kennedy and Housing Opportunities of Warsaw for their work.

National League of Cities: Retha has been invited by the National League of Cities to take part in a panel discussion on violence in the media and its effect on children.

Area Plan Commission: Jerry Clevenger has concerns about a property that is in Wayne Township, adjoining Winona Lake. The property is an eyesore and something needs to be done about it. He has contacted the Area Plan Commission and it was suggested that the Council write a letter to the Commission. Jerry will draft a letter and will bring it to the next meeting for approval.

Seawall: Joy Lohse asked about the hole along the canal that was discussed at the last meeting. Pete stated that the area has been repaired. Jan Nelson agreed that a good job was done of repairing it but asked if some larger stones could be placed in the hole as it is starting to sink again.

The meeting was adjourned.

_________________________ ___________________________

JOY LOHSE RETHA S. HICKS

VICE-PRESIDENT CLERK-TREASURER