The Town Council of Winona Lake, Indiana met in a regular session on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 in the Town Hall at 7:00 a.m.   Councilpersons noted as present or absent:

 

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

 Jeff Carroll made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 10 and April 19, 2007 Council Meeting.  Jerry Clevenger seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

 

 Winona Happenings”

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

            May 4 – 5:00 p.m.- Heritage Trail Dedication on Auditorium Blvd. at Trailhouse

            May 5 & 6 – Fat & Skinny Tire Bicycle Festival

            May 5, 9:00 a.m.Grace Graduation

 

Floor Topics:

            There were no floor topics.

 

Ordinance 2007-4-3 Amending Building Code Fees:

            This ordinance establishes fees for office, warehouse, and retail establishments; and commercial and industrial buildings.  It also addresses an electrical service fee as well as a public sidewalk permit with no fee.  The Plan Commission has reviewed the revisions to the building code and approved them.  Jerry Clevenger made a motion to approve these revisions.  Joy Lohse seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

 

Ordinance 2007-4-4 Union Street One Way and Naming of Montague Lane:

            With the opening of the Greenway Trail, there is a need for Union Street between Park Avenue and Chestnut Avenue to be a one way street.  This ordinance establishes the street as one way going east.  Oakwood Hill from Boys City Drive north to the cul-de-sac will be renamed Montague Lane.  A stop sign will also be placed at the northwest corner of Montague Lane.  Jeff Carroll made a motion to approve this ordinance.  Joy Lohse seconded the motion.  The motion passed. 

 

Reports from Supervisors:

            250 East:  This project is now scheduled for a May 16th letting.

            Wooster Road:  A letter was sent out last week to residents along Wooster Road who will be affected by the widening and repaving of the street.  Craig has received a few phone calls from residents with concerns. Most of the concerns have to do with water drainage.  Craig and Pete will go out and look at the area today.

            275 East Property:  At the last council meeting, Jerry Clevenger mentioned a property on 275 East that is an eyesore.  Although not in Winona Lake, it is adjacent to the town.  Jerry has composed a letter of complaint to the Area Plan Commission.  He will redraft the letter, and include photos, for council signatures for the next meeting.

            Bridge:  Craig will set up a meeting, possibly yet this week with the county and Larry Long regarding repairs to the Park Avenue Bridge that crosses Cherry Creek.  Craig thinks it is on the schedule for 2008 to be repaired.

            County Meeting:  There was a meeting at the courthouse last week that Retha was involved in.  A new state law allows local government entities to accomplish initiatives by sharing services.  Pros and cons of shared fire services were discussed.  Individual towns would lose control over fire departments.  Property taxes could possibly increase while insurance would decrease.  But Jerry expressed his opinion that it would serve Winona Lake well to check into the different possibilities.

            Greenway:  Joy Lohse has been on the Greenway trail several times and feels it is outstanding.  She applauds Craig for keeping the project moving.  The trail is already being used more than was anticipated.  There could be a few parking issues

            Bike Patrol:  Joy Lohse stated that at the last meeting Paul Schmitt mentioned a need for donations for a trail bike for Paul Heaton for patrol of the Greenway trail.  That need has been met.  Several individuals from a local bike club, including Jim Lancaster have donated for a bike from the Trailhouse Bike Shop. 

            Senior Center: The Senior Center had a booth at the Healthfest that was held last weekend.  The seniors were selling some crafts they have made.  The seniors have been very active.  Shannon has also been approached by the school corporation regarding using the Senior Center for the free lunch program for students this summer.  She does not have all the details yet. 

            Insurance:  Retha thanked Jerry Clevenger for all his help updating the insurance

specs before it was bid out.  His expertise has saved the Town probably several thousand dollars.

 

 

 

            The meeting was adjourned.

 

           

_________________________                                  ___________________________

DAVE DELP                                                              RETHA S. HICKS

PRESIDENT                                                               CLERK-TREASURER