The Town Council of Winona Lake, Indiana met in a regular session on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 in the Town Hall at 7:00 a.m.   Councilpersons noted as present or absent:

 

COUNCIL PRESENT:             Jeff Carroll, Sue Gooding, Joy Lohse, Terry Howie, Jim Lancaster, Retha Hicks

 

ABSENT:                                                                    

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

 

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

 

Minutes:

 Terry Howie made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 8, 2008 Council Meeting and April 15, 2008 Executive Session.  Sue Gooding seconded the motion.  The motion passed. 

 

“Winona Happenings”  

            April 22, 7 p.m. – Winona Lake Preservation Meeting at Ramada Inn

            April 26, 9 a.m. to noon – Winona Lake Clean Up Day

            May 3 & 4 – Fat & Skinny Tire Bicycle Festival

            May 3, 9 a.m. – Grace College Graduation

 

Floor Topics:  none

             

Ordinance 2008-4-1 Employment of Part Time Police Officers:

            This is the second reading of the ordinance that gives Town Marshal Paul Schmitt permission to hire temporary, part-time police officers on an as needed basis.  Jeff Carroll made a motion to pass the ordinance; Jim Lancaster seconded the motion; the ordinance passed with four yes votes and Terry Howie voting no.

 

Change order #6 for 250 E:  the change order is for ($4,282.03).  On a recommendation by Street Superintendent Pete O’Connell the order changes an open ditch (Brady ditch north of Wooster Road) to a closed piped storm drain for a reduction in the contract.  Jim Lancaster motioned that the change order be approved; seconded by Terry Howie; motion passed.

 

1311 Park Avenue:  the Town Council approved a motion made by Sue Gooding and seconded by Jim Lancaster to instruct the clerk-treasurer to remove a lien that was placed on the property.  The definition of a family unit will be reviewed in the zoning ordinance and the wastewater ordinance will be clarified and re-written on what constitutes a two unit dwelling.

 

Report from Supervisors:

           

            Craig is working on a couple of grants for a continuation of the greenway and sidewalk for a safe walk to school.  Because of the quick winter, quite a few leaves are still on the ground.  Pete and his men will vacuum leaves this week.  After next Monday, they MUST be bagged.  The street sweeper was out a few days and will be out more as the weather permits.  Craig talked with Jason at NIPSCO about planting some trees.  There have been some complaints down by the Dairy Queen about large tree sections not being picked up.  Craig will check into it.

 

Sue Gooding asked about the flap being installed in the drain pipe on the greenway.  GAI has been contacted and Larry Long.  Pete, Larry and Craig spoke with the Wright’s after the last meeting with no further understanding on the issue.  The Town will have to wait to see what GAI reports.  Pete will document the area during rainfall for a couple of months.

 

Paul reported Mike Foster will graduate May 2nd from Police Academy.  He is excited to get back to work.  There are two cars being advertised for sale – 1999 and 1997 Ford Crown Victoria.  Craig and Sue will go down to Lakeshore Drive and look at the situation of the one-way signs.

 

Retha stated the County Treasurer Kent Adams sent a letter reporting the town will not be receiving tax revenue in June.  Warsaw sent a letter stating the town’s wastewater rate will be increasing by one cent.  A public hearing will be May 19 at 7 p.m.  Joy would like to see the town come up with a better deterrent (rail fence) at the entrance to the Boys City Club property to keep kids from jumping the pile of dirt onto greenway traffic.

 

Paul Schmitt stated the town attorney is working on a skate board ordinance.  The steps on 9th Street are on private property.  Sue stated she would like to see them limited or liable for damage but not prohibit from riding.  Sue suggested the town officials meet with skateboarders to address some issues. Jim stated we need to address the health and safety of the skateboarders and the pedestrians.

 

The meeting was adjourned.

 

 

 

_________________________                                  ___________________________

JOY LOHSE                                                    RETHA S. HICKS

PRESIDENT                                                                CLERK-TREASURER