Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON - Pierceton Town Council heard from Baker Tilly, the Youth League and the Pierceton Heritage Association during a meeting on Tuesday, July 14.
Jeff Rowe, with Baker Tilly, came to the meeting to introduce himself and to answer any questions about the proposal they submitted to assist the town in rate and utility studies. Rowe stated that Baker Tilly has worked with the town in the past, and that his team is focused on assisting small governments and utilities. Rowe told the council that it would take 30 days to get the study completed.
Town Council President Glenn Hall noted that they worked well with Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast, and that they came highly recommended. Hall asked Rowe how often they would need to do a rate study, to which Rowe answered that some towns have one every year, while it is recommended to have it done every three years.
Jesse Shelton and Matt Trump notified the council that they were wanting to start up the Pierceton Youth League. Both men noted issues they have had transferring funds and keys and having discussions on what needed maintenance. Hall stated that Town Council Vice President Matt Brubaker, who was not in attendance, would help them along with that.
“I just want to say how grateful I am that you are doing this,” said Hall. “I’m thrilled that you are taking this over and starting it up again. We have a wonderful facility that needs to be used. We will support however we can.”
Doug Gregory, with the Pierceton Heritage Association, told the council about three proposals: a memorandum of understanding draft for the funds in the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, town board members for the PHA and a mural. Town attorney Tammy Keirn did not see any issues with the MOU draft but asked that there be a paragraph about the different funds that will be in there.
Gregory also noted the declining membership of the PHA, since the last class to graduate from Pierceton High School was in 1971. He noted that membership was low and told the council that he would like to see at least two new members on the PHA board in six months. Gregory stated that PHA is an asset to the town. Hall noted that they would spread the word to help.
Lastly, Gregory noted that the PHA was looking into a mural in town. He had asked an artist that has done some town murals, who stated they charged $12,000 to $15,000. Hall asked how this would be paid, which Gregory noted that they would be looking into grants and fundraisers. Hall asked for Gregory to come back with quotes and possible locations, and that they would also spread the word if anyone else had further location ideas.
Reports
Noah Shepherd, with the street department, gave the council several quotes for lift stations that needed to be fixed. One was $4,500 to get a new pump in case one of the other pumps breaks, which was approved. The second quote was from the same company, which was $1,225 to pressure wash and clean the lift stations as a preventative measure, which was also approved.
Shepherd noted that they have been gearing for Pierceton Days and had mulched a lot of the areas. They will be shutting down East Market Street to Washington Street on the morning of Friday, July 17. Hall told Shepherd to “keep up the good work.”
Town Marshal Phillip Hawks told the council that the reserve officers are certified through the academy. He noted that the county health board came out on June 24 and “condemned all of Mr. Stahl’s properties” and that Camden Construction is in the process of purchasing all of the properties.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to everybody,” said Hawks. “I know it’s uncomfortable when the three of us … want to talk to you about things, but I just wanted to say thank you for complying with us and helping us out.”
He also reminded everyone to take it slow during Pierceton Days for the pedestrians that will be around.
Carla Quintero with the Park and Recreation Committee told the council that they had an “amazing workday” with being able to mulch and place signs under an hour. They have the water fountain working again, painted some signs, have the disc golf course looking good, and are working on getting the flagpole up, along with the rules sign.
Quintero noted a slight problem with the rules sign because of the trees in the way that block the park. She stated that Phillips Tree Service is donating their time to take down the tree, which was approved.
Quintero noted a handout of things that need to be done in order to help make the park safer, which include fixing the amphitheater benches and having ADA-compliant play equipment. She asked permission from the board to find grants or foundations that will help get this done, which was approved.
“I am super appreciative of the community, and if anyone wants to help out with the park, reach out to me,” said Quintero. “I’m also really appreciative to Aleta (Smith) and Georgia (Tenney), who are the other movers on the committee, and are my backbone.”
In other business:
• A quote for a new pump on Armstrong Road for $14,978 was tabled until the council could discuss it more with Mast.
• A quote from Endustra for new filters was approved for $1,524.
• A quote from Evapar was approved for $1,263.71.
• The council approved a request from the BSM Group, who asked to lay fiber lines in the rights-of-way.
• The clerk’s office is closed until Thursday, July 16.
• Pierceton Days are July 17-18.
• Tomato Festival will be Aug. 22.
The next council meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11.
