Gage Fannin, right, a new Syracuse police officer, takes the oath of office from Clerk-Treasurer Paula Kehr-Wicker. Fannin just returned from the police academy. In the background is Syracuse Town Manager Henry DeJulia.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Town Council started its monthly meeting Tuesday night, Feb. 20, by having Clerk-Treasurer Paula Kehr-Wicker swear in Gage Fannin as the newest Syracuse police officer.

Police Chief Jim Layne also introduced new officers and the new detective.

The council then approved a sewer bond ordinance for $750,000 which will be paid out during 10 years at 4 percent interest. The bond will help pay for construction and installation of certain improvements for the wastewater treatment plant.

Later during the public works report, the council approved signing the contract with Kokosing to do the work. The contract is for just over $983,200 and is a savings guaranteed contract.

Tina Wolff of Kokosing reviewed some of the savings, including $76,000 per year in energy savings and more, prior to the council approving the contract.

In his department report, Henry DeJulia, town manager, reported there has been a lot of progress in the technology park with Travel Lite’s new construction. He also reminded the council with all the rain, plenty of water will be going through the wastewater treatment plant and there may be calls from residents regarding the system backing up.

Layne reported the new police vehicles are now on the road.

There was no report from the Syracuse Parks Department, Chad Jonsson, park superintendent was attending the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce dinner to accept an award.

Robin Merchant, public works superintendent, reported a booster station is still losing pressure. He requested permission to hire ME Simpson of Valparaiso to look at the valves and a few other things for a flat rate of $1,080. The council approved.

Merchant requested having Commonwealth Engineers Inc. review and rewrite the town’s pre-treatment ordinance for a cost not to exceed $8,000. He noted the current ordinance is lacking in a number of areas. The council approved the request.

Fire Chief Mickey Scott reported the fire territory received a grant to purchase naloxone (narcan) for opioid overdoses. He stressed the drug doesn’t work on everything, but also doesn’t harm the patient if what they are overdosing on is not an opioid.

Scott informed the council about two training sessions. One is an Insurance Standards Office protection class which is a day long event March 1. There will be sessions specifically for town officials and for public works employees. The second training will be March 10 and will be a railroad car carrying hazardous materials training.

The council approved $139,761.27 for new fire protection gear for the firefighters. Scott noted this equipment needs to be replaced every 10 years according to the National Fire Professionals Association.

In old business, Councilman Larry Siegel asked if something could be done on the Syracuse-Milford Road at Kern Road. He noted it is very dark when students are crossing to go to school. DeJulia said he would check with the county.

Scott and Layne recommended making RailRoad Drive a right turn only lane heading east as semis turning off SR 13 are getting hung up on the railroad tracks attempting to turn left with cars in the other lane.