The Independent-News, Volume 117, Number 36, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 30 January 1992 — Page 6

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- THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS - JANUARY 30, 1992

WALKERTON TOWN BOARD MINUTES The Walkerton Town Council met at 7:00 p.m. on January 20 with the following members present: Gene Reese, Gordon Hartsell, Cheryl Rizek, Walter Heil and Leonard Jaske. Attorney David Holmes and CTerk-Treasurer Judy Hiler were also present. The minutes were approved as read. The monthly work order and electric, water and wastewater reports were accepted. Ray Garbaciak, general manager of Superior Waste, told the council that they have recently purchased all the work from Indiana Waste and Franklin Waste out of Plymouth. Garbaciak said that they have been hauling our trash since December 17th. Gene Reese asked if they try to pick up at the same time, and run the same route each week. Garbaciak answered that they will begin at the same start point each week. Superior observes the six major holidays, and trash pick up will run one day late when there is a holiday, with all trash picked up by Saturday. Cheryl Rizek asked if they anticipate any sort of raise to the Town. Garbaciak answered that he hasn't looked it over that thoroughly, since they just took the route over. He said that his main concern has been getting it routed and getting the customers serviced. Reese asked if they have any sort of policy about the way things have to be bagged, or if there are any restrictions that may be different from what we had with Indiana Waste. Garbaciak said that the weight should be kept down to under fifty pounds per bag or container. Hidden sharp objects should be put into a can or box, to keep them from poking through the bags. They will take brush, if it is kept to three or four ft. lengths and bundled. Attorney Holmes said that it’s his understanding that the Town is under a deadline by the state to reduce the bulk of it’s trash by a certain date, and asked Barbaciak if he has the records from the previous contractor, so that we can track the amount of our trash. Garbaciak said that there is a mandate, as a solid waste district, to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills by thirty-five percent by 1996, and by fifty percent by the year two thousand. Municipalities and industries will have to show where they have reduced their waste going to landfills. There was no citizen's input. Bids were opened for the 1975 Ford F6OO truck and the 1977 Ford ambulance that the Town has put up for sale. Karol Jackson bid SI,OOO on the 1977 Ford ambulance. Gene Hoath Landscaping bid $1,195 on the 1977 Ford, and $825 on the 1975 Ford. Keith Drake bid SBOO on the 1975 Ford truck. Tom Hanback bid $1,500 on the Ford F6OO truck. Len Jaske made the motion to sell the 1975 Ford truck to Tom Hanback for $1,500. Seconded by Walt Heil. Carried. Karol Jackson bid SI,OOO on the 1977 Ford ambulance and Gene Hoath Landscaping bid $1,195 on the 1977 Ford. After some discussion as to whether Hoath meant the ambulance, it was decided to check with him. Walt Heil made the motion to sell the 1977 Ford ambulance to the highest bidder. Seconded by Gene Reese. Carried. The clerk is to call Hoath, and ask about the bid. The Clerk reported that there has been no response to three letters which were sent to Community EMS asking them for copies of their fee schedule, insurance agreements, billed runs and our share of any payments they've received. Attorney Holmes is going to contact Community EMS. Roman Brehm presented his

1991 electric rate study to the council which detailed the kilowatts purchased, the cost of kilowatts billed and collected. Included in the 1992 report were 1992 estimates and projections showing Brehm's predictions for the purchase and sale of kilowatts for the coming year. His estimates provided for a 1% load growth. After estimting 1992’s income, taking the Electrical Advisory Board's proposed 1992 electric budget into consideration and allowing for bad debts or slow collections, Brehm stressed the need to keep a careful check on our electric balances. Brehm recommended anouther study of the rate in July. OLD BUSINESS: The 90 day, SIO,OOO Darryl Eddinger Memorial C.D. earned $126.40 in interest. It was renewed at Farmers State Bank for another 90 days at an interest rate of 5.05%. Ist Source Bank quoted an interest rate of 4.25%. The 90 day $600,000.00 C.D. earned $4,980.82 in interest. This C.D. was now renewed, but rolled over into Farmers State Bank sweep account, along with the rest of our funds. The rate of interest, for the sweep account, is 5.50% on balances over $500,000. The rates for 90 day C.D.’s were lower than the sweep rate, at both banks. Ist Source Bank quoted 3.60%, and Farmers State Bank quoted 3.95%. A letter was sent to Pressure Concrete in October 1991 asking them to inspect cracks in the lining which they applied to our water holding tank. In November Pressure Concrete sent a letter saying that they would be making an inspection, and would take correction action as necessary. They have not done this, and Superintendent Back says that the cracks are showing some seepage. Attorney Holmes is going to contact Pressure Concrete. The council decided to have a work session on Tuesday, January 28, 1992, to go over job classifications and town policy. An Ambulance Board meeting was scheduled for Tuesdav, February 4, 1992. Walt Heil said that he’d had a request for salt and sand on the icy areas around John Glenn High School, and asked Back what time they do that area. Back replied that it’s usually done the first thing. President Rizek asked Holmes if he had any information on the Americans With Disabilities Act. A self evaluation has to be done by January 26, 1992. Holmes said that basically each department should evaluate their own area, and find out what restrictions there would be for people with disabilities. Each department head should either list, or write a letter stating what restrictions they’ve found in their areas. He added that this would mainly concern hiring the disabled rather than serving the public. Rizek said that there is an article in the IACT Bulletin concerning a bill to distribute lottery money back to the communities. Rizek urged everyone to call their State Senator in support of this bill. The Independent News has the phone numbers to call. NEW BUSINESS: The St. Joseph County Chapter of the American Red Cross is honoring Julie Whitaker at an awards dinner in March. Whitaker is a nominee for their Hall of Fame, for leading a mother and her children to safety when their house was on fire. Rizek congratulated Whitaker, on behalf of the Town of Walkerton, for her nomination. The 1992 Humane Society contract, in the amount of SB4O, was accepted on a motion by Len Jaske. Seconded by Walt Heil. Carried. 1991 earned interest from C.D. investments and cash on deposit in the sweep account was $59,216.14. The interest was spread to the funds listed below, using an aver-

age monthly balance. General Fund — $2,368.65. Electric Depreciation, $42,043.47 —Elec. Operating, Elec. Cash Reserve, Elec. Depreciation & Elec. Meter Deposit. Water Depreciation, $4,145.12 —Water Operation, Water Meter Deposit & Water Depreciation. Motor Vehicle Highway, $1,776.48. Local Road & Street, $1,184.32. Park & Recreation, $592.16. Sewer Operating, $4,145.13 —Sewer Operating, Sewer Replacement & Sewer Reserve. Escrow Fund, $2,960.81 —Rural Development & Escrow Fund. Total, $59,216.14. Attorney Holmes thought tt might be better to put the interest allocated to the Escrow Fund, into the General Fund. Len Jaske made the motion to move the $2,960.81 interest from the Escrow Fund to the General Fund. Seconded by Gene Reese. Carried. In 1987 the Town of Walkerton loaned the Walkerton Industrial Fund $22,000, which was to be paid back by January 31, 1992. This loan was made from the Rural Development Loan Proceeds Fund, which the Town received as grant money from the State. In a letter from the Walkerton Industrial Fund, David Behr asked for a one year extension on payment of this loan. Behr’s letter explained that the $22,000 could be considered program income if it was paid back to the Town at this time, and would interfere with our grant for the downtown redevelopment. Attorney Holmes advised the council to allow the one year extension. Walt Heil made the motion to allow the extension. Seconded by Len Jaske. Carried. The council chose Roman Brehm as it’s proxy for a special meeting of the Walkerton Industrial Fund, on a motion by Len Jaske. Seconded by Walt Heil. Carried. Len Jaske and Walt Heil formed a committee, to choose three names from the Chamber of Commerce’s ballot for election of Board of Directors. Len Jaske made the motion to oav Chamber of Commerce dues, in the amount of $295.00, from the Electric Operating Fund. Seconded by Gene Reese. Carried. Rizek read her list of committees for 1992, and they are as follows: Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Electric Advisory Board, Park Board and the Redevelopment Commission will all keep the same members as last year. Gordon Hartsell will now serve on the Ambulance Board, and three people, Betty King, Bill Rhodes and Elson Barden, have been named to the Historical Society. Beginning April 1, 1992, Town employees who drive the Town trucks will have to have a CDL license. The license will cost $25.00 per man, and the required physicals will cost $40.00 per man. Total cost for these licenses will be $520.00. Len Jaske made the motion to pay for the licenses and physicals out of the individual's departmental budget. Seconded by Gene Reese. Carried. Dave Bolze, assistant superintendent, asked the council if they would agree to allow the State Highway Traffic Division to take over the control and maintenance of the Town’s two traffic lights. The Town no longer has supplies to maintain the lights. If the State has conrol they will bring them up to code and maintain them. Jaske asked if the State wants to take one of the lights out. Bolze answered that the State advised him that it would be necessary to put a request in writing, in regard to keeping the light. Walt Heil made the motion to ask the State to take control of the lights. Seconded by Gordon Hartsell. Carried. Bolze also told the Council that the State Board of Health is now going to charge for bacteria sampling of our water. Currently we send four samples in each month, although only two are required.

Bolze said that it will now cost $ll.OO per sample, and asked for the council’s permission to send just two samples in each month. Len Jaske made the motion to send two samples a month. Seconded by Walt Heil. Carried. Bolze also said that if the State doesn’t send us report forms, that we’ve requested, he will need a $22.00 manual check to mail two samples. Walt Heil made the motion to allow the $22.00 claim. Seconded by Gordon Hartsell. Carried. Claims No. 46 through No. 92 for $155,672.97 were approved on a motion by Len Jaske. Seconded by Gene Reese. Carried. Gene Reese made the motion to adjourn. Seconded by Gordon Hartsell. Walkerton Chamber Os Commerce Board News The Board of Directors of the Walkerton Chamber of Commerce met on January 8 at The Cottage Restaurant. The meeting was called to order by president Leo Savoie, Jr. at 12:10 p.m. and a quorum was declared present. The minutes of the last board meeting was approved as published. The president reviewed the need for, and cost of, liability and workman’s compensation insurance. He had a quote of cost for this year's premium of $874. The treasurer was not present to present a requested review and report of the financial status of the Chamber at year’s end of 1991. Connie Medich, Walkerton Shopper Editor, presented a December, 1991 monthly financial report and the Retail Merchants Committee projected monthly budget for '92. The president and Shopper, and her splendid effort to bring it to a businesslike condition. Also, the Retail Merchants Committee was commended for their work in producing the '92 projected budget, as it will be a vauable tool by which to direct and control the Shopper operation, by which to direct and control the Shopper operation. Jo Hershberger, board member of the Retail Merchants Committee, reported that the Committee has elected to retain Bowen Printing Co. as the printer of The Walkerton Shopper. Also, she reported that Bowen Printing is to locate a sales and business office in the Professionals Office Bldg., in downtown Walkerton. The Shopper is receiving the use of a FAX machine from Bowen Printing. No membership report was available. It was suggested a membership committee be implemented as soon as board vacancies were filled, as the membership committee chairperson, Cristy Clark was resigning. Also, Karen Awald was reported to have asked to not be re-elected. David Behr, Industrial Development Committee, read a prepared news release as an informational presentation. He reported four or five businesses have applied for Rehabilitation Funds supplied thru the Chamber and the Redevelopment Commission of the Town of Walkerton. Mr. Behr reviewed the status of the $34,000 escrow account held by the Town of Walkerton for loan to the Chamber for the Rehabilitation Project in the downtown area. An indepth discussion followed as to the best method and proper procedure for executing the payments from this fund. President Savoie called for nominations for members of the Board of Directors of the Chamber. The herein named nominees are to be contacted. Those accepting will be placed on the official ballot to be sent to the membership in a timely fashion, so that a slate of directors will be available at the regular board meeting on Wednesday, February 5. A motion to close the

nomination was made by Roman Brehm and seconded by Kenny Chapman. Motion passed. Jo Hershberger moved for adjournment, seconded by Mike Burroughs. Adjournment at 1:30 p.m. Those present were: Leo Savoie, Roman Brehm, Jo Hershberger, John McGee, Connie Medich, Renee Williams, Mike Burroughs, Kenny Chapman and David Behr. 1992 Hunting And Trapping Seasons Set You can mark your calendar for hunting and trapping activities at the Department of Natural Resources announces 1992 season dates. The DNR will not change the following dates unless an emergency arises. If it is necessary to alter season dates, the DNR's Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold public meetings to announce the changes. The tentative dates for 1992 are: Hunting Turkey (1992) April 22 - May 10 (1993 turkey season not set at this time). Squirrel — August 15 • December 31. Deer — Early archery (not set at this time) — Firearms - November 14 - November 29; — Muzzleloader, (not set at this time); — late archery - December 5 - December 31. Grouse —Not set at this time. Rabbit — November 6 - January 31. Pheasant — November 6 - December 20. Quail — (north of S.R. 26) November 6 - December 20; (south of S.R. 26) November 6 • January 15. Frogs — June 15 - April 30. Raccoon, opossum — November 8 - January 31. Red fox. coyote — October 15 - February 28. Trapping Beaver — November 15 • March 15. Raccoon, opossum, mink, muskrat, weasel — November 15 - January 31. Rea and gray fox, coyote, skunk — October 15 - January 31. Trapping is allowed from 8:00 a.m. of first day until noon of last day. Dog Running Noon May 1- noon October 15; noon November 8 - noon January 31. ANCILLA COLLEGE SPONSORS EUROPEAN TRAVEL Ancilla College in Donaldson is offering a special European Study Guide Program this summer through the auspices of the ACIS (American Council for International Study). The tour is designed for students, adults and high school grads who hope to get a taste of another continent. The tour is a 15-day journey which includes London, Paris, Rome, Florence, Switzerland and Lucerne, with a special trip to the height of Mount Pilatus where one can view snow in June. European-born couriers are the special guides for the major cities and provide valuable information for the avid traveler, so that learning and fun are all a part of this unique experience. Interested persons may call Ancilla College at 936-8898 to seek further information. The tour will depart from Chicago on June 10, 1992. Sister Angelene Bilicke will take registrations within the next two months. Interested persons may contact Sister Angelene Bilicke at Ancilla College or call 936-9936 for further information. The tour departs from Chicago on June 10, 1992, and will return from Frankfurt. Germany, on June 25,1992. The first ballet was performed in Paris in 1581. It was a five-and-a half-hour spectacle