WINONA LAKE — The Winona Lake Town Council had a productive regular meeting Tuesday, Aug. 18.

First up was the approval of the Grace College bonds the council had discussed in July. The bonds are for the acquisition of a nearby apartment complex for student housing and the building of a new dorm, which will have 86 rooms and a capacity of 172 students.

Next up, the council also approved submitting the 2016 budget to Gateway. A public hearing on the budget is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, with final adoption set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20.

The council also discussed expansions to the parking lot along Park Avenue, which will add 30 new spaces. Future additions to the lot have also been mapped out. Two engineering companies sent in quotes for the project, including Phend and Brown for $63,477.50 and Niblock Excavating for $72,962.65. The town went with Phend and Brown’s bid and work is anticipated to begin next week.

Sale of what has been referred to as, “a sliver of land” to local residents Jim and Jennifer Lancaster was also approved. The Lancasters had expressed interest in acquiring the land, which joins their property, which would allow them to make some improvements. Before the land could be sold, the town had to advertise it as being for sale. The Lancasters placed a bid of $201.30, plus any associated costs, fees etc.

Town Engineer, Larry Long, reported that excavating is nearly complete on the decorative lighting on the island and work will begin on the concrete bases and the poles. Once that is done, NIPSCO will complete the final hookups.

In Other News

A valve change had been scheduled for a lift station underneath Winona Avenue, however, workers were unable to locate it until a sinkhole formed in the road. The spot was underneath 4 inches of asphalt and 8 inches of concrete, making it difficult to find. Repairs were completed but were more extensive than anticipated.

Tree roots, infiltration and age are suspected culprits in another small sinkhole forming over another location. Work is expected to take place soon.

Upgrades to one of the lift station sites will also take place, including construction of 6-foot doors for easier access for repairs. The council had earlier discussed gradually replacing all of the town’s lift stations at a rate of two of year; however, it was recommended that the sites be rehabilitated instead, which will cost the town less.

Two quotes have been received for a storm sewer separation project and a third is anticipated to come in some time Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Police Chief Paul Schmitt reported problems with bicycles coming off the greenway disregarding posted stop signs, which has presented a safety hazard. A recommendation was made that staggered gates be installed at the entrances so cyclists are forced to slow down.

A speed trailer has also been in use where drivers tend to exceed the posted limit. Schmitt noted he plans to have officers watch those areas more closely, especially on weekends.

Work has been completed on several manholes that were starting to sink and others will be repaired in the near future.

A street light on Robinson Road was shot out and will soon be repaired.

A six-hour and 12-hour Winona mountain bike race and 5K and 10K run and walk are scheduled to begin at noon Saturday, Aug. 22.

Village at Winona Canal Days are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5.