Town Council Members Lisa Strombeck and David Waliczek look over paperwork during the North Webster Town Council meeting Tuesday. Photo by Deb Patterson, InkFreeNews.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — Good news was reported by North Webster Town Council President Dan Thystrup at Tuesday’s town meeting.

After five to six years of work, the town has received funds of $2 million from INDOT for a bike trail. The trail includes wider sidewalks from the south edge of town to the north edge. Thystrup will be signing paperwork on April 3, at which time he will be receiving more information.

He explained the project originally was seeking funds for a trail from the south edge of North Webster to Wawasee Middle School. However, it was tabled due to a lot of changes and engineering needing to occur. The cost was also between $5 to $7 million.

Working with MACOG and USI Engineers, a decision was made to split the project in two parts. A trail in town, and a second trail from town to Wawasee Middle School. Once the town project was near completion, Thystrup stated “I was told it would be easier to do the rest.” He noted he is working with the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee on the second part where the two trails will meet at Wawasee Middle School.

The project will take place on the east side of SR 13.

“There are no (town) tax dollars involved,” Thystrup stated. The seed money for the project is from funds received from K21 Foundation, Dekko Foundation, Shoop Foundation and Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

During other town business, quotes for a new roof on the town hall annex, replacement of the air conditioning unit in the annex and repairs to the Pizza King deck at North Webster City Park were all approved.

Currie Roofing was awarded the quote for the new roof. Leigh Anne Jessop, clerk-treasurer, reported the roof has begun to leak. Quotes were received from two companies with Currie Roofing, North Webster, providing the best quote and three different options — good, better and best. The board approved a middle option, which Jessop stated she was told it would last a lifetime. That bid was for $15,995.

Metcalf Payne and Bell was awarded the air conditioning repair work at a cost of $5,732. The unit went out last fall.

Funds for both projects will come from the town’s improvement funds.

Rookstool’s Pier Shop Inc., was awarded the quote for work at the Pizza King Deck. The work will include pulling all of the deck down to the posts, replacing stringers deck and railing, edge guard and post covers. The cost is $33,000 plus applicable sales tax.

It was noted the existing foot print of the deck would have to be used, making the cost more or less, depending what is found once work begins. No time frame as to when the work could begin was noted and will be checked on.

Because the park department does not have the funds, Jessop asked to run some numbers and figure where the funds could come from. “I don’t think it makes senses to use the entire park department budget,” Jessop said, suggesting the town could use its American Rescue Plan Act funds it has available.

Other business:

• Jessop reported Jim Higgins with LWC CPA’s & Advisors, Indianapolis, conducted a sewer rate study, and reported the town was OK as it is. While the town could bump the rate $1 to $1.25 in order to keep up with inflation. However, Jessop stated, rates were increased last year and the town will be evaluating the trash fee. Additionally, she noted Eric Ivory with Borden will be at the next meeting regarding rates. There has also been discussion with the company on reimbursement to the the town on fuel and compliance fees which should never have occurred.
• Heard a report from Mike Noe, utilities superintendent, who reported the department has been busy with locates for fiber optic services, and waiting on locates for installation of stop signs on East, South and Washington streets. He will also be purchasing a part for a pump on the clarifier at the cost of $1,000.
• Greg Church, town marshal, reported the town was turned down for an EV grant. He was not informed it was a matching grant. Additionally he thanked Texas Roadhouse for the 80 tickets for free kids meals with a purchase. He will give those tickets to the library and community center to distribute.