The Town Council of Winona Lake, Indiana met in a regular session on Tuesday, September 25, 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, 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 September 11, 2007 Council Meeting and also the Executive Session held on September 11th.   Rolly Ortega seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

 

 “Winona Happenings”

            October 6 – Fall Festival

            October 6 – Huzzah Hoosier Pennant Vintage Baseball Tournament

            October 6 & 7 – Mountain Bike Races on mountain Bike 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:            

            Greenway:  Jan Nelson stated that she had asked for the original plans for the Greenway Trail at the June 12th Council meeting.  She would still like to see those plans. 

Craig stated that the consultant has those plans and he will try to get them. 

 

Approval of 2008 Budget:

            Retha stated that the major reason for the increase in the 2008 budget is because of the increase in the trash services.  Gas, insurance, and the 3% employee pay increase are minor.  The budget has been advertised at a high rate, it can be cut if the revenue that is projected is not received.  Jerry Nelson commented that he has been hearing about many other communities that are facing steep budget cuts.  He wondered why Winona Lake seems to be plugging along just fine.  Retha stated Winona Lake has always been conservative, the employees and Town Council have kept a tight rein on expenses.  There is also six months of operating expenses on hand.  Mr. Nelson appreciated that and complimented the board for finding ways to conserve.  Retha stated that the Town may not know until June next year what the revenue will be for 2008.  The current county auditor has done an excellent job of projecting revenue and assessed value however.  Joy Lohse made a motion to approve the 2008 budget.  Jeff Carroll seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

 

Zolman Wetland Purchase and Access agreement:

            This agreement is for the purchase of property just east of the town limits belonging to Don and Darci Zolman for $10,000.  It is to be used for a wetlands area.  The 250 East project is taking some land that is currently a wetlands, and the Town is required to replace wetland areas that are used for construction purposes.  Rolly Ortega made a motion to purchase the land.  Jerry Clevenger seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

 

Reports from Supervisors:

            250 East:  The project is on schedule.  Pierceton Road is still closed.  Craig does not yet have a date for when it will be open again.  Until this past week, quite a few people were trying to get through that intersection. 

            Streets:  The bids for the street resurfacing project will be opened on October 3rd.  There is another street that needs attention.  Pink Magnolia Drive is basically a gravel road and the residents pay taxes for a paved road.  There are four houses on that street.  It will need to be looked into.

            Water Quality:  Joy Lohse stated that Grace College has received a grant to monitor the water quality of Winona Lake.  There will be a meeting next week regarding this.  Joy Lohse will attend the meeting.

            Severn Trent:  Town Attorney Jim Walmer is looking over the Severn Trent contract.

            Canal:  Dave Delp asked Craig about quotes for dredging the canal.  Craig is still working on getting those.  The work probably will not be able to be done this fall because a permit will be needed to do the work.  Dave Delp stated that the work should be done before piers or boats are placed in the canal next spring.  The quotes being requested are for dredging the entire canal.

            Next Council Meeting:  The next Town Council meeting has been changed from October 9th to October 3rd.  Retha and Craig will both be out of town the following week at an IACT conference.  The Plan Commission meeting for October has been cancelled.

           

 The meeting was adjourned.

 

 

 

 

           

_________________________                                  ___________________________

 DAVE DELP                                                                        RETHA S. HICKS

 PRESIDENT                                                              CLERK-TREASURER