The Town Council of Winona Lake, Indiana met in a regular session on Tuesday, June 26, 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, Rolly Ortega, Retha Hicks

ABSENT:

OTHERS PRESENT: Craig Allebach, Pete O’Connell

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

Minutes:

Rolly Ortega made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 12, 2007 Council Meeting. Joy Lohse seconded the motion. The motion passed.

“Winona Happenings”

June 24 to July 21 – MasterWorks Festival

June 28 – Brass Era Car Club Tour in the Village at Winona

June 30 – Firecracker 5K Race at Winona Lake Park

June 30 – Winona Lake Great Fourth of July Celebration at Winona Lake Park

June 30, dusk –Fireworks over Winona Lake

Floor Topics:

Indiana-American Water: Chris Harrison from Indiana-American Water Company introduced himself to the Council as the new area representative. He stated that he would be attending meetings regularly.

Award Contract for Town’s Garbage Service:

Two bids were received for the Town’s trash service. There were pros and cons to both bids. If a few details are worked out, it is believed after review, that the best bid is from Allied Waste Services. They are the current contractor for the Town’s trash and recycling service. The cost will be increasing by $4 per unit per month. Most likely, the added cost will need to be shared with the residents. The State is tightening revenue to cities and towns. The increase in cost simply cannot be absorbed by the Town. A decision will be made shortly. Jeff Carroll made a motion to accept the bid from Allied Waste Services contingent upon the details being worked out. Rolly Ortega seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Approval of Maintenance Vehicle for Heritage Trail:

Lake City Honda received a Mule last week. Craig, Pete, and Tim looked at it and feel it would work well for sweeping and snow removal on the Greenway. The vehicle has a bed on the back of it and already includes a plow. Tim would be able to mount a brush on the front. The cost is $6,500. Pete stated that the money was in his budget for this purchase. Jerry Clevenger made a motion to approve the purchase of the vehicle. Jeff Carroll seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Ordinance 2007-6-1 Establishing One-Way Street:

This is an ordinance to establish a one-way street on Park Avenue form Cherry Avenue south to Lakeshore, continuing south on Lakeshore to Hamilton Blvd. to Cherry Street. The road is narrow in this area, especially for garbage trucks or school buses. A few residents in the area have expressed an opinion to not make this area one-way. Craig will contact the residents on these streets for feedback. This issue is tabled.

Resolution 2007-6-2 Transfer of Monies from Wastewater to General Fund:

This is a temporary loan from the wastewater fund to the general fund in the amount of $175,000 to cover expenses. The Town will not be receiving any money from property taxes until October this year. Jerry Clevenger thanked Retha for making sure there is always six months of available funds in the bank to cover six months of budgeted expenses. Jerry Clevenger made a motion to temporarily transfer funds from the Wastewater fund to the General fund. Joy Lohse seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Proposal for Confirmation Sampling from ATC Associates:

In 1997 the street department had underground storage tanks removed. Craig recently received a letter from IDEM stating that the follow up monitoring and soil sampling relating to the tank removal was not completed. Craig contacted ATC Associates, the original environmental engineers and they provided a proposal for confirmation sampling based on the information they had. That proposal is for $3,563.00. After the site visit, ATC Associates indicated a revised proposal would be sent. Craig has not yet received it. Jeff Carroll made a motion to approve the contract with ATC Associates at a cost not to exceed $3,563.00. Joy Lohse seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Storm Sewer Repair on Wooster Road:

A storm sewer on Wooster Road near Arbor Lane is in need of repair. Pete received quotes from Carey Excavation for $11,200, G & G Hauling for $7,248, and Cripe Excavating for $6,975. Jerry Clevenger made a motion to accept the quote from Cripe Excavating. Jeff Carroll seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Reports from Supervisors:

Triathlon: The triathlon last Saturday went smoothly. There were 592 participants.

Grant: The police department has been notified that they have received an Evidence Tracker Grant. Paul Schmitt is filling out the forms to receive the funds. There will be a local match.

Safe Schools Program Grant: Craig is working on a grant application for sidewalks from Fairlane Mobile Home Park to Jefferson School. He is also looking at the area across from Lakeland Christian Academy down to Pierceton Road and east to St. Andrews. Craig has received several e-mails from residents in the Heritage Lake area asking him to continue to pursue grants for sidewalks.

Park Parking Lot: Joy Lohse spoke with a resident who attends the Senior Center. The resident feels that the parking spaces in the park are too tight and some changes could be made. Craig and Joy Lohse will look at it.

Park Board: Jerry Clevenger attended the park board meeting this month. The board asked about receptacles along the Greenway trail for trash and dog waste. Craig attended a Lake City Greenway meeting and was informed that Winona Lake would be receiving four or five dog waste receptacles. Some trash containers are also being purchased by the Town.

The summer park programs are going very well. Shannon is doing an excellent job and many of the classes are full. A couple of additional classes have been added. The instructors are also doing a good job.

2008 Budget: Retha and all supervisors have been working on their budgets for 2008. The Council is recommending a 3% increase for employees.

Roy Street Parking: Craig has been working with a consultant and INDOT regarding a parking area on Roy Street near the entrance to the Greenway Trail. He has some designs for parking lots. There are safety concerns in that area with bicyclists exiting the trail without looking for oncoming traffic.

250 East: The check for the Town’s match for the 250 East project will be mailed today. A Notice to Proceed will be coming soon.

ILMCT: Rolly Ortega congratulated Retha for being selected as president of the Indiana League of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers. Rolly, Pete, and some Town employees recently traveled to Fort Wayne for Retha’s installation.

The meeting was adjourned.

_________________________ ___________________________

DAVE DELP RETHA S. HICKS

PRESIDENT CLERK-TREASURER