SYRACUSE — Syracuse Town Council approved a bid for $140,627.30 from Phend and Brown for street paving during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, Aug. 18. Phend and Brown also won a paving contract with the Turkey Creek Fire Territory for $66,778.20. Both contracts were bid together and each agency will be invoiced separately.

Town Manager Henry DeJulia reported the town has been working on maintenance issues such as storm sewer cleaning and paving. He is working on new banners for the riverfront district and the village area. If funds are available, DeJulia would like to install decorative lights and a decorative fence on Dolan.

The railroad crossing on SR 13 will be closed starting Monday, Aug. 24, for approximately three weeks. Police Chief Tony Ciriello noted the police department is planning on traffic details in the afternoons to help as schools dismiss. The official detour from the Indiana Department of Transportation will have traffic traveling US 6 to SR 15 to US 30 and back up SR 13, however, the police department is also working on putting signs up for a detour for local traffic.

In his report, Ciriello noted the number of calls that took place during the month of July. Councilwoman Kathy Beer asked about a squad car that has had mechanical problems. Ciriello said the transmission was definitely going out, but the department will nurse it through the end of the year.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported the new pavilion at Lakeside Park is almost complete. Electrical work is being completed on it. Harvest Fest is set for Oct. 10 in Lakeside Park and football season has started at the Harold Schrock Youth Athletic Complex. Football games start Saturday.

Clint Houseworth, public works, noted storm sewer cleaning and sidewalk work is underway. He also noted Robin Merchant, the new public works superintendent, will be taking over the monthly reports.

Julie Kline, clerk-treasurer, noted budgets will be posted on gateway for public review. The town budget has also been turned into the county for review. The council agreed to a contract with London + Witte for $1,500 to prepare the required annual report the Securities and Exchange Commission requires of the town.

In old business Councilman Bill Musser brought up the fire territory’s equipment replacement budget is $329,000, but it is asking for $442,000 from taxpayers. He expressed concern since the fire territory is “sitting on about $2 million,” he said.

In new business, Councilman Larry Siegel asked if crosswalks could be designated since there are new trail sections and sidewalks being installed. Houseworth said the public works department will look into it.

In public comments James Miller of Kendallville came before the council to state a non-profit he started to assist youth with drug problems will be meeting Aug. 26 in Rome City regarding purchasing property for a residential treatment program.