Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON - Town Superintendent Casey Boggs gave his official resignation at the Pierceton Town Council meeting Tuesday.
“Thursday (May 14) will be my last day,” Boggs said. “I just wanted to extend a big thanks to the community for the last 20 years. Working for the town since I was in high school … thank you for the support.”
The council appreciated and thanked Boggs, noting it was going to be hard to replace him. Town Council President Glenn Hall noted they will be posting Boggs’ position soon and joked, “We’re not going to hire anyone within the next couple weeks … you’re welcome to come back.”
Council Vice President Matt Brubaker brought up having a special meeting to discuss someone taking over the sewer and wastewater until they are able to hire someone with the certifications to run them, which will be set at a later date.
Boggs noted the entrances at all ball parks will have a sign at the entrance, telling people to remain in the parking lot with their vehicles, as the rain has caused the ground to be soft. He stated they have seen ruts being made in the field from vehicles. If the parking lot is full at the softball field, then people can park at the little league field and vice-versa.
“If the parking lot is full, they can always park at the (Harvest Community) Church,” stated Hall. “There’s always plenty of parking there and we don’t have a lot of events that are going on.”
The wastewater samples were done for a toxicity test, which the town passed. The test consists of taking wastewater and placing fish inside it to see how they survive. Boggs said, “It’s very important to know this with the wastewater we are discharging from the plant.”
Michiana Area Council of Governments Director of Operations and Community Development Zach Dripps gave the final update to the council about the Community Amenities Program submission. He stated that the application is due at the end of June and asked for approval to continue working with Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast to get the application completed.
This would be to help fund the sidewalk project to Dollar General after a survey taken by town members noted they would like more and safer walking areas in Pierceton. This was approved.
Town Marshal Phillip Hawks asked for approval to seek a grant for a drone to help with problems at Pierceton Woods, which was approved. He was asked by Hall how the new recruits are settling in, to which Hawks said they are doing great and settling in well.
Mike Swihart, a member of the Ryerson Green Housing Edition, asked if there were any updates on the violations they all received from the County Board of Zoning and Appeals.
Hall stated that he talked with Area Plan Director Matt Sandy and was told they all need to individually file a variance. He stated that the council would write letters in support as he was told that the input from the town supporting these claims would be beneficial in getting them approved.
Carla Quintero asked if there was an update on the town's digital sign, to which the council stated that they are getting it set up and the software installed. There is no determination on who will be in charge of the sign, but Hawks stated the police department would be “more than happy to take it over.”
Other Business
The First Baptist Church will be closing off Second, Market and Tower streets for their annual kids' festival June 14.
Amendments to the employee handbook concerning vacation days, child education and ghost employment were approved. The council also approved reinstating the two-reading rule for all new amendments and ordinances.
Hall and Boggs met with County Surveyor Jim Moyer about the drainage problem with some of the county tile. Moyer was very receptive about this issue and noted they are willing to help.
The part-time position for the Pierceton Police Department has been posted. They will work alongside Hawks to go over ordinances and violation rates amendments.
Residents of Washington Township are needed as volunteers for the Parks and Recreation Committee, along with the Christmas Committee.
The town received a $20,000 grant from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation for the building project.
Surf Internet is moving forward and the town saved $2,300.
The Memorial Day Parade will be starting at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 25 at the fire station.
Town garage sales will be June 12-13, with spring trash pick-up day being June 20.
Pierceton Days will be June 17-18. Hall noted that the work will not start at Brower Park until all the festivals are completed.
The next council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. June 9.
