Town Council Minutes: 12-13-06

The regular monthly meeting of the Millersburg Town Council was held on Wednesday December 13th 6:30 P.M. at the Millersburg Town Hall.

James Winkler called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

A motion was made by James Winkler to approve the minutes for November 22nd, 2006. The motion was seconded Abe Beachy and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Council President James Winkler asked Park Board Member Duane Mahler if the stage donated by the Elkhart County Fair Board had arrived at the Park. Mr. Mahler answered “Yes” it was brought to town with a police escort.
Maintenance Assistant Jack Lantz informed the Council that a child got hurt on the sliding hill at Cook Station Park. Mr. Lantz asked if the Park Board could put up a fence. Park Board Member Duane Mahler stated that he would talk to the Park Board. Maintenance Director Matt King suggested that the hill could be graded, but it would take heavier equipment than the Maintenance Department has. “The concrete needs to be cleaned up also” stated Mr. King. Mr. Mahler said that he would bring the issues to the Park Boards attention.

Monthly Report-November 2006-See attached
Superintendent Eldridge gave an update on the construction progress at the wastewater plant. Superintendent Eldridge informed the Council that the clarifier and pumping station was started up today December 13th. The fine screen should be in New York on December 18th and delivered here on December 22nd or shortly after Christmas. The project should be done by the end of the year or shortly after replied Superintendent Eldridge.
Superintendent Eldridge informed the Council that a rate study should be done ever two or three years. The last study for the wastewater plant was done in 2001. Superintendent Eldridge recommended that the Council think about it. H.J. Umbaugh charged $12,000.00 to $15,000.00 for the study in 2001, but Thuber and Brock Engineering would do the study for $6,000.00 stated Superintendent Eldridge. Council Member Abe Beachy asked how soon he wanted the study done. Superintendent Eldridge replied “late January or early February, 2007”. After much discussion the item was tabled, as Council Member Dean Hawkins was not present and the Council wants input from Mr. Hawkins.

Director King informed the Council that his department has graded the street at Cook Station Park.
Director King informed the Council that the Christmas decorations were up thanks to TeleData for loaning one of their bucket trucks.
Director King informed the Council that the first snow went well. The equipment worked well and there is plenty of salt and sand.
Director King informed the Council that Tane Reed the manager at Farm Bureau Credit Union would like to know if the town would remove the piles of snow from the parking lot behind the bank this winter. The snow was pushed onto the property at 124 N. Clinton St. owned by Kevin Welch across from the bank parking lot. The resident complained about the manure and stones in the snow. Director King suggested that he could add the snow removal to the manure removal contract. The Council agreed that Director King should proceed with the request.
Resident Duane Mahler asked if leaf pickup was done. Director King replied “Yes”.
President Winkler informed Director King that Jefferson Street needed some cold patch, as the potholes are getting bad. Director King stated that he needed to get some cold patch. Director King stated that he might talk to Shipshewana’s Director Tom Sheline about getting some hot patch and using their equipment. Director King said he will take care of the problem.

Resident Maggie Mast thanked the Maintenance Department for putting up the Christmas decorations. Ms. Mast replied that she missed them last year and was glad to see them up this year.

James Winkler made the motion to pay the bills. Abe Beachy seconded the motion and motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.