AMENDED 6/1/09

 

The Town Council of Winona Lake, Indiana met in a regular session on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 in the Town Hall at 7:00 a.m.

 

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:      Joy Lohse, Sue Gooding, Jim Lancaster, Terry Howie and Randy Swanson

 

ABSENT:                                             Mitch Titus

 

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

 

Opening

 

Sue Gooding opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Approval of minutes – Sue Gooding motioned to accept minutes; motion was seconded by Joy Lohse.  Minutes were approved as written.

 

 “Winona Happenings”

            June 6 and 7 – Art Fair

            June 12 – Friday Shop Hop

            June 14 1:00 p.m. – Arthritis Walk

            June 21 to July 18 – MasterWorks Festival

            June 27 – Triathlon

 

Floor Topics:  There were no floor topics

 

13th Street Parking Ordinance:  This is an ordinance repealing parking on the south side of 13th Street between Chestnut and Sunday Lane.  Terry Howie wanted a statement added to this ordinance that it supersedes any previous ordinance in conflict with it.  The ordinance was tabled until the next meeting.

 

Reports from Supervisors:

 

Pete O’Connell – reported a hole on Kings Highway that he will be calling Phend and Brown about.  Randy Swanson asked Pete about separation between the street and a couple of driveways in Wildwood.  Pete O’Connell asked Phend and Brown to look at that when they were finishing up Marjorie Street.  Randy Swanson stated that it gets worse every time it rains.  Pete O’Connell will call Phend and Brown today and request again that they go look at it.  Randy Swanson expressed approval of the cost of the work on Argonne Road.  Warsaw did the striping for us without charge.

 

Paul Schmitt – The Police Department is gearing up for the Triathlon.  Carl Love will enlist the help of the County, reserve officers, Pierceton, Winona Lake officers and Kemrad.

 

Retha Hicks – attended a conference with the International League and had some excellent speakers and classes.  She will be discussing the information with Craig Allebach to see if there are things we can implement.  She will be starting on the budget.  The budget must be advertised by August 2nd. 

 

Craig Allebach – is working on “Safe Routes to School” grant for Wooster Road and 250E.  The consultant has been selected for the Greenway design and will be meeting with him this week.  They will be working on the design of Phase 4-A.  Craig will be meeting with Dane Miller today regarding the Greenway relating to property.  Sue Gooding asked if there was some vandalism on the Greenway.  Pete O’Connell responded that we did and his department is working on removing the spray paint.

 

Joy Lohse asked about the installation of the bas relief display.  Retha Hicks needs to contact the company producing the bases to determine a delivery date.

 

Terry Howie brought up the fact that Phend and Brown had been out to 250E and he wanted Craig to check with them about that repair.  Craig Allebach stated that they were going to fill the pipe that failed and put in two outlets on the west side of the road.  They will also remove the curb and gutter and put in a 6 foot shoulder and guard rail.  This is at the request of the County Highway superintendent.  This will make the road easier to repair in the future.

 

Retha Hicks asked about the street not repaired (paved) at the top of the hill on 9th Street around the fire hydrant.  Pete O’Connell will call IN-American Water to see about it.

 

Sue Gooding asked about information Retha received regarding vicious dogs.  Retha has received information from other communities and will compile it.  Terry Howie asked about the people with the loose dog and Paul Schmitt responded they were charged with an ordinance violation.  The property owner was notified that the Town is looking into a vicious dog ordinance.  Randy Swanson asked if there was a limit to the number of dogs a person can have.  The Town has a “kennel” ordinance because of zoning but there are no limitations.  The property owner had 2 or 3 dogs removed in the past.

 

Jim Lancaster asked if there was a meeting date with the Stonehenge residents.  Craig Allebach responded that we still need to meet with owners regarding the agreement and easements.  Craig met with Jim Walmer last Wednesday and is waiting to receive the agreements from Jim.  The easements have been completed.

 

Jim Lancaster inquired if there was a decision on a meeting with the resident in Country Garden Estates.  Craig Allebach responded there is a meeting set for 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28.  The meeting would include Jim Walmer, Larry Long, Pete O’Connell, Dave Schroeder, Craig Allebach and possibly Marv Miller.  Randy Swanson requested to attend.

 

Terry Howie asked if we had received information from any other towns regarding setting up a drainage district.  Retha Hicks received information regarding storm drainage and has presented that information.  Craig Allebach had spoken with Jim Walmer regarding a drainage district.  Country Garden Estates does not have a homeowners association and they want the Town to solve their drainage issues.  Craig Allebach felt that a district would be the only fair way to assess the other residents in the subdivision.  Retha Hicks cautioned the Council about getting too involved.  Randy Swanson felt there needed to be clarification because the streets were not accepted by the Town, but are maintained by the Town.  Craig Allebach felt there was confusion as to what the Town’s concerns are – Street maintenance and storm water run off from streets not private storm water system.  The private storm water drainage system would be the responsibility of the homeowners.  Randy Swanson suggested drafting a fact sheet of exactly what the Town is responsible for and what we are not responsible for.

 

Sue Gooding asked about replanting grass by the boat ramp from work done last fall.  Craig Allebach responded that he was aware of it and that there had been several complaints.

 

Terry Howie reported about several properties that needed to cut their grass.  Paul Schmitt responded that Malcolm Gilbert is working on contacting several property owners that need to cut their grass.

 

Randy Swanson brought up the Anderson letter sent to Terry Howie requesting to be put on the agenda for June 9.  Craig Allebach responded that they would be on the agenda for June 9.

 

Terry Howie asked about July 4 activities and Craig Allebach responded that it was all coming along fine.  Terry Howie suggested Holly Hummitch contact Art Gakstatter about an antique car show.  He also thought the parade route should be longer and go on the Island.  Holly is aware of that.

 

Sue Gooding made a motion to adjourn and Joy Lohse seconded.

 

Meeting was adjourned

 

_________________________                                  ___________________________

TERRY HOWIE                                              RETHA S. HICKS

COUNCIL PRESIDENT                                CLERK-TREASURER