Members of the Syracuse Town Council listen to a presentation by Syracuse Police Chief Jim Layne, not shown. From left, are, Councilman Larry Siegel, Council President Bill Musser, Councilman Paul Stoelting and Town Attorney Vern Landis.

SYRACUSE —  The Syracuse Town Council held a lengthy discussion when Police Chief Jim Layne asked that Hal Hansborough, the town building inspector, be named an interim ordinance officer. The request came during the council’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, June 19.

By naming Hansborough an interim ordinance officer, he would be responsible checking on grass mowing and brush trimming among other things. Layne told the council this would add six hours to Hansborough’s work week; he currently works 18 hours a week.

Councilman Larry Siegel questioned giving the building inspector another title as it might affect how he is paid according to state law. Layne said he checked with an attorney with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy who said the title change could be made as long as the council approved.

Clerk-treasurer Paula Kehr-Wicker had some questions from a human resources perspective. After more discussion, it was determined Vern Landis, town attorney, and Kehr-Wicker would look into the matter; meanwhile, Hansborough could do some limited code enforcement under the authority of the Syracuse Police Department.

The council approved switching its life insurance as well as long- and short-term disability insurance to Lincoln Financial. The switch provides the town with 50 percent savings and a guarantee rate lock for at least two years.

The council approved spending $32,481 for two new air conditioners for the town hall.

Town Manager Henry DeJulia told the council he hoped the issue regarding the Turkey Creek Sewer District would be resolved by the end of the month.

Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson reported the Mudtastic Classic is scheduled for this Saturday. Approximately 240 participants have pre-registered for the event.

Lakeside Park will host the Fourth of July celebration with food vendors and the Lake Area Band performing at 7:30 p.m. Long Drive will close around 4 p.m. The Tour des Lakes bike ride will be held July 14, and Long Drive will be closed most of the day as bike riders leave and return to the Syracuse Community Center.

Construction on the restrooms is almost complete.

Council President Bill Musser asked about developing Laudeman Park. Jonsson reported he’s in contact with the landscaping teacher at the high school about a possible partnership to work on the park.

Robin Merchant, public works superintendent, reported a new surge protector needs to purchased for the UV system at the wastewater treatment plant. The council approved spending $1,508 on a new surge protector. The council also approved hiring JK Walker to do survey work in Wawasee Heights and Maple Grove to determine where the town’s easements are located. The cost is $21,000 over two years. Two new pumps have been installed at the McWest lift station on south SR 13.

The council also approved $19,500 for crack sealing on parts of 28 streets in town. This will be part of the town’s next Crossroads Community grant where the state pays 75 percent of the paving cost.

DeJulia, Merchant and Jeremy Harding of Commonwealth, an engineering firm, have been discussing the chlorine system at the public works plant. It was recommended Commonwealth be hired to do an evaluation for a cost of $5,000. The council approved the evaluations.

Fire Chief Mickey Scott reported the fire department’s chicken and pork chop barbecue will be held July 7. He also met with the Syracuse Lake Association, which had concerns about the railroad bridge not being lit. Lake patrol will light the bridge area for one hour after the fireworks on July 4.