The Town Council of Winona Lake, Indiana met in a regular session on Tuesday, September 11, 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:

Rolly Ortega made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 28, 2007 Council Meeting. Jeff Carroll seconded the motion. The motion passed.

“Winona Happenings”

September 15 – Fall Sailboat Regatta

September 16, 2:00 p.m. – Rodeheaver Series featuring Marilyn Sexton Mason

September 20 – Light the Night

October 6 – Fall Festival

October 6 – Huzzah Hoosier Pennant Vintage Baseball Tournament

October 6 & 7 – Fall Bike Event on Trails

October 14, 7:30 p.m. – Second Sunday Series at Rodeheaver

November 9 – Community Appreciation Dinner among the trees at Rodeheaver

Tickets- $15.00

Floor Topics:

September 11^th Ceremony: There was a 9/11 commemoration ceremony this morning located at the Greenway site with the theme of “peace” next to the Senior Center. The artwork was unveiled at the same time. Ed Rock, the County Emergency Management Director sang “God Bless the USA” and “Freedom is Never Free”. The Kosciusko County Fire and Police Honor Guard presented the colors. Jerry Clevenger spoke on the affects 9/11 was on our nation then and now. The sculpture artists, Linda Doyle and Nadine Royster also spoke about the sundial that they created (see attached). The sculpture is located along the Greenway Trail in the park.

Swearing in of Winona Lake Police Reserve:

Randy Bowman was approved as a police reserve at the last Council meeting. Retha Hicks conducted the swearing in ceremony. Randy told the Council a little bit about himself. He has two children and five grandchildren. He is a twenty year veteran of the military and has served as a reserve officer with the Kosciusko Sherriff’s Department, for the Town of Pierceton and in Orlando, Florida.

Public Hearing for 2008 Budget:

Joy Lohse opened the public hearing for the 2008 budget. Retha stated that the General Fund will be increased by $125,000 from the 2007 budget. The increase is a direct result of the increase in the cost of trash pick up, insurance rates, gas prices, and the 3% employee raise. The MVH Fund will increase by $22,000 for the same reasons. There were no public comments regarding the proposed budget. The public hearing was then closed. Jerry Clevenger made a motion to approve the 2008 budget. Jeff Carroll seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Street Projects:

Pete has looked at the streets and recommended which streets need repairs. The list includes the alley between 401 and 309 Administration, South Union Drive between Oakwood and Boys City Drive, Sunday Lane, 15^th Street between Chestnut and Kings Highway, Walnut Street from 13^th Street to 15^th Street, Western Drive, the alley between 6^th and 7^th Streets, the alley between 13^th and 14^th Streets, and Snake Island. Western Drive and Snake Island also need storm drain repairs. Larry Long will need to provide specs for the repairs on Western Drive. Retha stated that the town has enough money to complete all of these repairs. Rolly Ortega made a motion to advertise for bids to do the various repairs. Jeff Carroll seconded the motion. The motion passed. Jeff Carroll asked about money to dredge the canal. Craig stated that he is getting quotes for that and hopes it can be completed next spring before piers are placed in the water. The MVH fund cannot be used for that purpose.

Report from Town Engineer:

Larry Long had nothing to report.

Report from Town Attorney:

Jim Walmer had nothing to report.

Reports from Supervisors:

Wooster Liftstation: Craig stated that because of power outages the Wooster Road liftstation has been backed up twice recently. In one instance, the line for the call in alarm system was run over by a lawnmower. Both times, sewage backed up into the new OCC building. Officials from the Town and Grace College have met and it was recommended that Grace put in a liftstation. Grace officials opted not to do that, and instead installed a back flow preventor. The Town is also looking into a radio alarm system instead of the current phone system.

250 East: Craig stated that the project is going well. All of the recent rains slowed down the project at one point, but it is back on schedule now.

Refund: A building permit was issued recently for construction of a new house on Porthcawl. The soil on the lot is particularly bad and the buyer had to pull out of the deal. Dick Leaf is requesting the Council refund the cost of the permit, which was $150; and also the sewer tap on fee that was $200. Jeff Carroll made a motion to issue the refund. Rolly Ortega seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Fire Department Request: Fire Chief Mitch Titus made a request to purchase a fire package and a ball intake valve for a total cost of $3,723.00. There is money in the budget for this purchase. Jerry Clevenger made a motion to approve the purchase. Rolly Ortega seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Concerns: Rolly Ortega mentioned that he has received e-mails regarding a couple of issues. One resident was concerned about weeds growing out of sidewalks in town. Rolly Ortega looked at the area in question, and agreed that it is a concern but it is the property owner’s responsibility to address not the town. Another resident complained about the fence that has been placed in the park near the Lodge. The Park Department is looking into that issue.

The meeting was adjourned.

_________________________ ___________________________

JOY LOHSE RETHA S. HICKS

VICE-PRESIDENT CLERK-TREASURER

The Peace Sundial

I chose the concept of a sundial because of the ancient timekeeping method. This method is not perfect and it is dependent on God's will. Each day is a gift given to us by God. We each receive the same measure of time; what we do with it is our choice. Peace is made up of many components that we as humans try to control, change or share. If you look around, you will see what God's perfect will is. He will provide everything that you need to survive, and it will be in his time (KAIROS-Greek). All things will be clearer.

The hands carved out of ceramic on the dial are different nationalities and ages to represent the many people of our world. We are all made of clay and will return to dust when we die- we are all equal -deserved of love and respect.

Doyle

The Peace Sundial and Freedom Base

When I think of September 11, 2001, I can only focus on Rebirth; not only the rebirth our nation; but the future of our children also. The mosaic base represents freedom. After taking a poll of several individuals on their reaction to the visible reminder of 9/11, it was clear that the focus should be on the future of our children and the rebirth of our nation.

The trees represent the twin towers, as they are the tree of life pushing us to a new beginning. The birds, circling the trees, takes us on a journey for peace and freedom; in hopes of moving us toward a new beginning by creating a better and safer world for our children.

As you round the sculpture we greet the viewer with the symbol of hope by creating a facsimile of the new Freedom Tower to be erected in lieu of the Twin Towers that is guarded by the return of the American eagle.

The green surreal circle represents the sun at sunset and sunrise. This symbolizes the beginning and ending of visible time. The sundial can only be read between 6:00 am (sunrise) to 6:00 pm (sunset).

During the time spent in our installation of the Peace and Freedom sculpture we had the opportunity to get to know so many of the residence of this small lake town. The sculpture began to change as we became engulfed in this community; thus we made a decision to incorporate the community by adding the hand prints of the local youth.

Yadi