The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 41, Milford, Kosciusko County, 22 November 1989 — Page 1

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Milford 658-4111 & Syracuse 457-3666

VOLUME 28

Curfew violation enforcement topic for Syracuse town council

By MARK HUFFMAN Staff Writer Handcuffed by a lack of support from the Kosciusko County Court system, welfare and juvenile authorities. Syracuse Police Chief Robert Ziller acknowledged an area parent’s complaint about curfew violations but countered, "What can we do if they don’t back us?" Approaching the Syracuse Town Council at its monthly meeting last night (Tuesday), Syracuse resident Dixie Knisley expressed displeasure with curfew violation enforcement. "A couple of months ago I came here and asked what you were going to do about the juvenile problem," she said, noting that the problem persists. Claiming that area youths set afire a neighbor s leaf pile, which burned out of control and eventually required the fire department’s services, Knisley demanded, "Why isn't something being done?" Ziller noted that his department had picked up 14 to 18 juveniles in the past month but noted that a lack of support from county officials permits little punishment. He added. "When we pick up kids we call the parents and if they're not home we have to keep them in our custody." Noting the inavailability of a detention center. Ziller stated. "County juvenile won't even accept them. If we had 10 men and a juvenile officer to watch these kids, like a big city does, it may be different, but we only have one man working nights (two men on weekends)." Council member Carl Myrick confirmed. "There is no way the police department and town council can babysit these kids ' Currently, juveniles who violate curfew and are caught are assigned various tasks within the town, including washing police and fire vehicles and raking leaves. However, the county court system does not recognize juvenile curfew violations, > preventing further punishment. ( according to Ziller. ■ In another matter. Knisley \ lodged a complaint against the town, alleging that two town workers had made an obscene gesture to her children while they were sitting in her car. parked at the town hall. Town Council President Jim Hughes said that he would look into the matter Speaking for several youths seated in the audience. Syracuse resident Nancy Logan asked the council about the feasibility of pursuing a skateboard park. Noting that the Lakeland Youth Center and area streets are currently being used by

Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District —

Approves sewer rates and capital charge, hires plant superintendent

(By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer While much of the public stood for the public hearing of the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District on Monday. Nov. 20. it was evident they were not going to stand for the adoption of two ordinances, establishing a sewer rate and capital charge, without first airing their opinions on the subject. More than 60 people packed the meeting room of the Syracuse Town Hall for the 7:30 p.m. session as the board gave its unanimous approval to Ordinance 1989-3 and Ordinance 1989-2 establishing a capital charge and sewer rate respectively With the capital charge, users can either pay S4O per month per unit for 24 months, (estimated time of construction) or pay a lump sum discounted at seven

skateboarders. Logan stated. "It's getting dangerous on weekends to drive through town." Ziller noted that one of the problems with the town supporting a park would be liability costs "All of them (skateboarders) are good kids, but I don't know if it is the town's responsibility to provide an area (to skateboard)." the chief said. ' One youth suggested there may be a waiver that parents could sign while another stated that the town could offset costs of building a park within a year by charging admission. < After further discussion. Kip Schumm. Syracuse Park Board president, invited the youths to address the park board at its next meeting. Acknowledging those attending the meeting. Hughes asked that anyone wishing to get on future agendas of the town council contact the clerk-treasurer by the Friday prior to regular meetings. In a matter of great public interest. Myrick made a motion to raise the town's water rate 40 percent for one year, with a provision to review the rate at the conclusion of that year. The council unanimously approved Myrick's proposal, noting that an increase was needed to offset a mounting deficit. The proposed increase will now be advertised to the public The council also approved the idea of "preliminarily agreeing" to allow Country Meadows Mobile Home Park, located north of town, to hook into the town's sewage system

School boorchopproves purchase of 16.6 acres

I By DEB PATTERSON Staff Writer Wawasee Community School Corporation approved the purchase of approximately 16.6 acres of land contiguous to the current high school property pending necessary state approval. The action came last evening (Tuesday) during a special meeting of the board. The corporation was approached by the Ruth Kern family one year ago to see if there was any interest in purchasing the property. Upon the time of her death the land became part of an estate. Appraisals of the land were made. Dr Roger Thornton.

percent. The lump sum is estimated at $893 The sewer rate after construction was reported to be $37 per month per unit should the district receive 100 percent of the grant amendment. The passing of the two ordinances did not come before members of the public had an opportunity to ask questions and to voice their opinions on the project. Many people questioned why the district was not going to meter including Earl Schafer of Goshen He noted he purchased a meter for his Goshen residence and has saved a lot of money as a result. Other part time residents added to Schafer s concern stating it would not be fair to pay a sewer bill year round if the residence is only occupied three months out of the year. John Julien, a representative of H J t’mbaugh and Associates, explained the ’ decision not to go that route is primarily of a financial nature " Metering would require buying and installing meters, as well as hiring person-

Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACL SE-VVAVVASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907)

Department Reports Reporting for the police department. Ziller asked to place secretary Nancy Pratt on fulltime status, since a second secretary had transferred to the clerk's department. Both secretaries had previously split full-time duties. No action was taken by the council. He also asked that SSOO be added to the detective's salary for 1990 to account for clothing costs. The proposal will be placed in the department's salary ordinance. Ron Conley, street and water commissioner, informed the board that he had received certification in safe water drinking and emergency planning courses, recently receiving schooling in the two areas. Conley also reported for Waste water Department Superintendent Ron Helman, noting that the town had received two leads on the availability of land for the dumping of sludge, which it is pursuing. Reporting for the park department. Schumm noted that the First Annual Christmas in the Park will be held at Lakeside Park at 5 p.m. Sunday. Dec. 3. The Wawasee High School Varsity Singers. Lake Area Community Band and Syracuse sth grade choir will all perform. Councilwoman Carol Koble also submitted that Jack Wells Jr. fulfill the term of park board member Don Cowan, who has moved from the area The appointment was unanimously approved. Three bids were taken under advisement for the town's sanitation services and the cleaning of the town hall. Only one bid was received for sanitation services

superintendent, stated the statute allows the corporation to pay the average of the two appraisals, that average is 579.000. He noted he made the offer and it was agreeable with the family. Dr Thornton said that the 16.6 acres was not of adequate size to build a middle school, had it been available at that time. The middle school is currently being built on approximately 40 acres The land, which is bordered by Kern Road. Milford-Syracuse Road and the Syra-Web Road, could be used for an expansion of outdoor school facilities Dr. Roger Thornton commented the land will be easily accessible and allow the corporation the opportunity to work with the Syracuse Park Department and other agencies who use Memorial Field

nel to read them. These expenses would increase project costs. Others objected to paying money "up-front " with the capital charge. Clancy Brannum of Syracuse asked. "How many times are you going to pay upfront for a new .automobile?” Julien answered, ’’the best response to that is we re talking about a sewer system that becomes unfeasible without that alternative.'' He explained not gc ng with a capital charge would increase the bond issue. Julien added it originally was not the board's intention to go with a capital charge, but without it the project is in jeopardy'. Randy Phillips of Elkhart said, ’three years ago we already paid to get on a system now we re paying again, why?" Phillips was referring to his connection onto the Wawasee Water and Sewer Company. Many others, who also said they already paid high connection fees to get on the Wawasee system, concurred with Phillips objection to paying again Julien explained those on the Wawasee system may be con-

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1989

while two companies bidded to clean the town hall weekly. Purchases Approved Several purchases by various town departments were approved by the council, including: Snowblower. $294.99. fire department; 1979 Chevrolet van, $1,750, civil defense; roller and trailer, $7,430. tractor-mower and push mower. $5,580. impact wrench, $601.79. and 60-pound airhammer. SBBS, street and water department. Seven ordinances were also approved by the council, including: Ordinance 89-9. calling for the reestablishment of the department of park and recreation; 89-13. correcting errors within the police salary structure; 89-14. allowing the street commissioner authorization to waive cash deposits in the event the customer is a public utility serving Syracuse on a regular basis; 89-15. establishing a schedule of rates and charges for properties served by the sewage works; 89-16. amending an ordinance establishing the rates and charges of the aforementioned ordinance; 89-17. providing for additional appropriations and 89-18. providing for the transfer of appropriations. In a final matter. Hughes extended the council's appreciation for the job former Clerktreasurer Mark Tatman did for the town "We appreciated Mark * and we appreciate the work Elgie (Tatman) is doing for us notfafrHughes said Tatman died October 25 following an extended illness. The council will meet again in regular session at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdav. Dec. 19.

i Vega Field' to develop potential use of the land. The long term use of the land could be for school and community functions "This would not be used solely for the school, but in conjunction with Youth League and park activities." noted Dr. Thornton He noted the park department has already done a master needs assessment and before anything is done with the property, to bring the information to the board for discussion. He suggested the area is suitable to create an area for a type of a music shell if the park board wanted to do so. This property could replace use of Memorial Field, w hich is owned by the school corporation, and used by other groups as well as (Continued on page 2)

nected to a system, but it is old and needs revamping. / z VAL DUGGINS A few persons spoke in favor of the sewer project including Bob Hampton of Syracuse He noted a lake study showed 21 "hot spots"

EVI ■flWi HOB HIVqH FIREMEN. EMS RECOGNIZED — Members of Syracuse Fire Department. Emergency Medical Service, their spouses and/or friends were honoree! with an appreciation dinner Saturday. Ron Coniey spearheaded the event, with help from a number of area businesses. Conley noted the dinner was. to show appreciation for the volunteers and what they do for the town and township. "People in the community put their lives in your hands, and we can't say how important your responsibility is. You see things most people never see or never want to see." commented Conley. The department was presented a plaque to commemorate the volunteer efforts of the two groups. Also checks totaling S2OO were given to the fire department and EMS. In turn. Fire Chief Jerry Byrd

Plank offers to help Syracuse

to retain passenger service

I By MARK HUFFM AN Staff Writer Acknowledging plans byAmtrak to eliminate passenger service in Warsaw, Mayor Jeff Plank extended an offer of help to retain passenger service in Kosciusko County at the Syracuse Town Council meeting last night (Tuesday). The Warsaw mayor noted that Amtrak had reached tentative agreements with Conrail and CSX Transportation to reroute the Broadway Limited and Capitol Limited through Indiana and Ohio within the year. That change may include a stop through Syracuse Kip Schumm. representing the Syracuse Park Department and Chamber of Commerce, noted that both of those entities supported pursuing a stop in Syracuse He is a member of a committee that has been formed to pursue that means. Plank, who w as instrumental in bringing Amtrak service to Warsaw in 1985. also extended his hand, noting. "There are instances when it doesn't pay to have political boundaries. We (Syracuse) need to act as a county-city." While he admitted, as mayor.

in the lake, and those areas would not be fit to swim in In addition, he remarked the benefits and goals of the sewer project, to clean up and to save the lake, are important. Some members of the public applauded Hampton's comments Regular Session Following the public hearing, the board recessed for 10 minutes before proceeding with the business of the regular meeting. Board member. Joe Todd, made the recommendation of hiring Vai Duggins as plant superintendent for the district. The board voted unanimously to hire Duggins, with a salary of $34,000 a year, effective as of Nov. 21. The board also accepted a bid by Raffensburger and Hughes to buy bonds for interim financing A special meeting of the district was set for 28. at 1 p.m The next regular meeting of the district will be Monday. Dec 18.. in the meeting room of the Syracuse Town Hall

that his first obligation was to do everything possible" to retain service in his community. Plank noted that that wasn't verylikely. "My second alternative is to retain service in Kosciusko County (with a stop in Syracuse) while a third is to take one of the trains and put it on the Norfolk and Southern rail that goes through Claypool." However. Plank admitted that expense makes the third alternative unlikely. Thus, a stop in Syracuse appears to be the best alternative "My petition to you. on behalf of the City of Warsaw , is for you to help us retain passenger service in Kosciusko County." he said Emphasizing the extensive use of the Amtrak service by the business community. Plank said. "The main benefit is that it is an open door in and out of the community " However, chamber member Jeanne Gardiner noted that 53.5 million is also estimated to be generated through the county because of the service Plank forwarded a list of Amtrak and CSX officials he had spoken with while pursuing a stop in Warsaw. "There's an urgent need for direction i from town officials > in light of the fact that other communities on the CSX rail have contacted Conrail and Amtrak and expressed a desire to be a stop. " Plank said

_ , ■ .a.. | IW II w ■ JULIEN ANSWERS — John Julien, representative from H.J. Cmbaugh and Associates who arerate consultants for the TCRSD. answers questions about capital charges and sewer rates of the district. This action took place at a public hearing on Monday. Nov. 20. at 7:30 p.m?. in the Syracuse Town Hall. Seated behind Julien, left to right, are board members. Dr. V. Logan Love. Robert Jones, president; June Cripe and L.D. "Bud" Hayner. (Photo by Mary Jane Lorton)

■ v Msm / announced the officers of the department decided to give those funds to the Melvie Williams Fund. To top the afternoon event. Joe Gregory from WANE-TV presented the fire department with a momento naming the departments "Joe’s Heroes." Some footage of the event was filmed and will be aired on-January 3 at 11 p.m.. on Channel 15. There were approximately 60 attending, including several members of the Syracuse Town Council. Township Trustee Ray Darr w as unable to attend. Show n in the photo on the left is Conley presenting Byrd with the plaque, while in the photo on the right. Gregory presents the memento for being named "Joe’s Heroes" to Byrd. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

Warsaw raised money for its depot, which coh approximately $40,000. through donations from individuals, businesses and industry. It also secured a grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation to construct the depot s platform After listening to further discussion, council member Ken Johnson agreed. "I think we should put a foot forward." Fellow member Carl Myrick made a motion that the council pledge assistance to pursue the project, which was carried unanimously. The council also agreed to ap-

Contest to begin on Nov. 25 It’s time to "deck the halls" conclude with judging on as Saturday, Nov. 25, officially December 15. marks the beginning of this This year there will be two year’s Christmas Decorating categories for judging. Those Contest in Syracuse, categories are businesses and Businessmen and residents residences AU pr cipants are invited to drag out their wiU judged by membersof nghts. tinsel and other the wawasee High School art Chnstmas decorations and department. Those interested participate in the seasonal , n participating in this year’s contest. ... contest should call the office of As stated previously, the the chamber at 457-5637. contest, which is sponsored by the Syracuse-Wawasee Winners wiU be announced Chamber of Commerce will of- in the December 20 issue of ficially start Nov. 25. It will The Mail-Journal.

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NUMBER 41

point a member to the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce committee that is looking into offering an Amtrak stop. Fort Wayne also appears to be losing Amtrak service by the end of 1990, with a rerouted line extending through the northern edge of Indiana. While current Amtrak routes extend west through Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Yalparaiso and Hammond to Chicago, a new Broadway LTD route would extend from Auburn to Hammond to Chicago while the Capital LTD would extend west through Waterloo. Elkhart, South Bend and Hammond to Chicago.