Town Attorney Vern Landis congratulates Larry Martindale after swearing him in as the new councilman. Martindale is representing Ward 4, replacing Brian Woody, who stepped down last month. (Photo by Lauren Zeugner)

SYRACUSE — Larry Martindale was sworn in as the new councilman representing Ward 4 during the Syracuse Town Council’s meeting Tuesday night, June 21.

The council, with council President Larry Siegel absent, quickly got down to business by approving a fiscal plan provided by London Witte for annexing the industrial park into the town. Town Manager Henry DeJulia noted the costs were minimal but welcomed council’s comments.

In his report, DeJulia received permission to enter into a contract with Tommy Vance Productions for $7,500 to produce a video highlighting the town. The funds will come from the Economic Development Income Tax account. The board approved entering into the contract.

DeJulia is also working on getting quotes to update the town’s comprehensive plan. He hopes to present them at next month’s meeting.

Kathy Boyts, representing the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, presented a mock-up of new banners highlighting different areas of town. The banners will alternate with the ones currently on the lamp poles.

Boyts explained the chamber received a $4,500 Harkless Foundation grant to cover the cost of the banners and Allegra Printing in Warsaw will produce them. The new banners will be up by the July Fourth weekend.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, noted the next three weekends in the parks will be busy with the second annual Mudtastic this weekend, the Fourth of July weekend events and the Tour de Lakes on July 9.

Councilman Bill Musser asked how many vendors are at the farmer’s market. Jonsson said the market was averaging about 22 but there was room for 36. Vendors pay $20 per week or a seasonal rate for 23-26 weeks.

Robin Merchant, public works superintendent, noted concrete work was completed before the storm hit Monday afternoon. Wells and sump pumps were inspected and received a good report. Sidewalk replacement will begin this week. Road paving will begin after the July 4 holiday as a grinder is not available. Work continues on the waste water treatment plant. Merchant noted the digesters may have to be downsized, a meeting to discuss the matter is planned. A representative from Triad is also coming to look at the situation regarding a few other problems.

The council approved a leak adjustment policy with a few clarifications requested by Clerk-Treasurer Paula Kehr-Walker. The council was also invited to tour the waste water treatment plant.

Assistant Fire Chief Brian Richcreek, representing the Turkey Creek Fire Territory, reported the department’s annual chicken and pork chop sale will be July 2. Most of the firefighters/paramedics are now CPR instructor certified.

A free hands only CPR class will be offered at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 23, will be offered to the public. Anyone interested just needs to call one of the fire stations and have their names put on a list. Instructors can also make arrangements to do instruction at local businesses.

Batteries for the storm sirens are being replaced. These are needed in case of a power outage.
The fire territory would like to replace nine garage doors and seven openers. Richcreek explained the doors are over 30 years old and obsolete.

The new doors will also have a start timer where once a truck breaks a light beam, as it leaves the station, the doors will come down shortly afterwards. The fire territory requested permission to spend $27,000 on the new doors and openers. The council approved the purchase. Work should be down within 60 days.

Kathy Boyts, representing the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, shows the Syracuse Town Council a mock up of new banners that will alternate with the existing banners on the light poles. The new banners will be up in time for the Fourth of July holiday. (Photo by Lauren Zeugner)