Bourbon Town Council Recognizes Two Police Reserve Officers
Bourbon Town Council Recognizes Two Police Reserve Officers
Posted
Carol Anders-
Bourbon Town Council Recognizes Two Police Reserve OfficersBOURBON – The Bourbon Town Council recognized two Bourbon Police Department reserve officers at its meeting Tuesday. Both Nick Spangle and Raymond Gleason were presented certificates of appreciation from Council President Ward Byers. Police Chief William Martin had acknowledged the contributions of both Spangle and Gleason in comments included in the certificates. In Martin’s absence from the meeting, Sgt. Rick Kanarr represented the police department at the meeting. Byers spoke to the strong work ethic and commitment of Spangle, saying, “As a valued member of our Police Reserve Program, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for going above and beyond in assisting your fellow officers within our department and our neighboring community.” Byers said that Spangle had volunteered to cover a midnight shift in Kosciusko County so police officers could attend the funeral of one of their officers who recently passed away, Jason Dobbins. Byers added, “We appreciate your commitment towards our organization and your duty.” In presenting a certificate to Gleason, Byers said, “Your dedication to our department and your fellow officers has made quite an impact. “In 2019, you gave 352 hours of service to our department. That averages out to 29 hours per month, when as a reserve, you are only required to serve eight hours per month. We are very grateful to have you as a member of the Town of Bourbon Police Reserves.” In other matters, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Steve Stacy reported that Town Clerk-Treasurer Kim Berger had found funding to allow the purchase of replacement water meters throughout the town and needed reading systems to move ahead. Berger said they are financing $157,300 with the Indiana Bond Bank at 2.128% over seven years. Greg Hildebrand, project manager, Marshall County Development Corp., shared some of the highlights of MCDC’s successes in 2019 and plans for the future. According to Hildebrand, there were 500 new jobs created in the county. He said they are moving ahead with the Business Expansion and Retention program that is designed to help businesses struggling to find qualified employees. He said one of the ways they are hoping to attract employees is directed towards marketing to veterans by using their military occupational specialty codes to fill positions. At the January meeting of the council, the need for increasing fees for the use of the Matchette Center was discussed. The proposed increases were then published as required. During the February meeting, Dena Wattenbarger, who oversees the daily activities of the Center, shared her concerns that the proposed fees were too high. The revised proposed fees will now be published as follows: small room increase to $75 from $50 per day; large room increase to $150, up from $100; combination room would increase to $250 from the current $200; and weddings would be $600, up from $500. By ordinance, the annual father/daughter dance and the Bourbon alumni banquet will continue under flat fees. The father/daughter dance will pay $200 and the Bourbon alumni will continue to pay $100. The council approved the resignation of Jessica Amsden. Amsden had been cleaning both the town offices and the police department areas. They also approved contracts with Wattenbarger and Doug Warren. Warren performs custodial duties at the town park. It was noted at the January meeting, that the council would be requiring contracts with all employees. Bourbon resident Jan Lemler addressed town attorney Alex Hoover during the patron comments portion of the agenda. Lemler indicated his intentions to file a lawsuit against the town of Bourbon, council members and several town employees. He did not elaborate as to the basis for filing a lawsuit.
