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ETNA GREEN – The Etna Green Town Council heard updates about the wastewater regionalization project and the park project at their meeting on Tuesday, June 9.
Chris Harrison, business development manager at Commonwealth Engineers, presented the update on the finances for the proposed wastewater project.
For the State Revolving Fund, Etna Green came in 20th out of 172 applicants. This puts them in a place where they could take out a low-interest loan. However, they will also have the opportunity to move up in the rankings as other projects are completed and leave the list. Harrison predicts they will move up in the rankings and have the opportunity to receive either a grant or a loan forgiveness opportunity through the program sometime next year.
Community Project Funding, also referred to as “earmarks,” are administered through Second District U.S. Congressman Rudy Yakym’s office. The project has been potentially approved for $1.1 million but still needs congressional approval from Yakym.
Clerk-Treasurer Ann Anglin asked whether it would be helpful for community members to come in and speak about this project while Yakym’s mobile office will be at the Etna Green Town Hall, 106 S. Walnut St., from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, June 23. Harrison said it would have the potential to be quite helpful and commented, “Etna Green has been very proactive.”
Harrison also commented they are still planning on applying for an Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs grant. Council President Heath Roberts commented they are meeting with Baker Tilly in a week to review grants and other funding opportunities
“Things are pulling together,” said Harrison.
Amy Roe, Kosciusko County community coordinator, told the council the Community Amenities Program grant for the Heritage Park project was submitted to ALL IN Kosciusko two weeks prior. Atwood’s application was submitted just before Etna Green’s and has already been approved, and the community has been able to break ground on their park.
The first and second phases for the Heritage Park project have been completed. Electrical lines have been laid for 16 lights along the path.
Kitchens To Go donated three playhouses, which are available for young children to play on near the play area in the park.
Roberts also wanted the community to know the park trail is open and functional.
Council also announced Councilman Keith Claassen resigned for health reasons on Friday, June 5.
Roberts asked everyone to thank Claassen for 20 years of service to the community.
Mike Ragan, chairman of the Kosciusko County Republican Party, attended the meeting to explain how to run for the position. Eligible candidates must be residents of Etna Green and Republicans in good standing.
Roberts offered to assist anyone who needs help with the process.
Declarations of candidacy and statements of economic interest are available from the Kosciusko County Clerk of the Circuit Court at 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw.
Paperwork to run must be filed with Ragan no later than 3 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at the Kosciusko County Clerk’s Office.
The appointment for the role will be made at 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 at the Kosciusko County Clerk’s Office.
In other business:
• The council voted to have a $50 restroom fee for those renting the park pavilion to cover cleaning costs for before and after each even. It will remain $25 per day to rent the pavilion, but an additional $50 will need to be paid to receive access to the neighboring restrooms.
• The pavilion fee will be waived for the Etna Green Farmer’s Market. However, they will be required to pay the new restroom fee.
• Roberts and Town Councilwoman Susan Klinefelter discussed a desire to revisit several “outdated” ordinances to town attorney Nick Jacobs.
• Hydrant flushing will be done in July. The exact dates will be provided on the next water bill for Etna Green residents.
