Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SOUTH WHITLEY – At Tuesday night's meeting, the South Whitley Town Council held a public hearing for Phase B of the town's wastewater utility improvement project.
The improvements, including replacement of a failing lift station installed in 1970, are mandated by the state. South Whitley has already received two extensions from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) as the town must complete the improvements by May 2028.
The project will also involve boring a new line under Eel River, which was first installed in 1970, ruptured in 1984 and was replaced with PVC. It will be replaced with a heavier-duty line, said utilities superintendent Kent Slater.
Following the public hearing, council heard town resident Dove Stasko present on methods, including attracting birds and animals who eat mosquitoes, as an alternative to insecticide for killing mosquitoes in town. Slater said the town uses Perm-X UL 4-4, which is sprayed weekly during mosquito season and coats the wings of adult mosquitoes.
Council also heard from town resident Corey Wilcox, who thanked council for their service to the town.
Council approved a state revolving fund (SRF), bond agreement with Baker Tilly for the sewer project, not to exceed $3.7 million.
Council also approved Lisa A. Lee, of Ice Miller, as bond counsel for the project.
In old business, council voted to submit a revised offer of $118,000 to Tony Starkey for the old bank building and adjacent lot at 101 E. Columbia St.
In other business, council:
• Approved the purchase of a portable storage shed.
• Approved a $332.82 utility adjustment.
• Approved bid processes for the 1998 utility truck for bids no less than $5,000 and the old street lamps for bids no less than $200 per fixture. Council will open bids at 6:30 p.m. June 9 ahead of the regular meeting.
• Approved a salary increase from $25 per hour to $30.60 per hour for Michael DeLong, part-time officer of the South Whitley Police Department.
• Approved claims totaling $235,824.09.
Councilman Randy Cokl reminded the public that the State Street bridge will be closed for two weeks starting May 11 for scheduled maintenance on the bridge.
Town Marshal Chad Schipper reminded the public that he will begin issuing tickets soon for properties in violation of trash and abandoned vehicle ordinances. Town cleanup is this Saturday, May 2; residents should place odd size trash out for pickup no later than 4:30 a.m. Saturday.
Council will next meet at 6:30 p.m. May 12.
