Tuesday night’s Winona Lake Town Council meeting saw the approval of staggered terms for council members and wage increases for town employees.

Town Coordinator Craig Allebach gave a brief presentation on Ordinance 2014-11-1, which proposes staggered terms for the five council members (see related).  The ordinance was approved unanimously.

The motion to approve Ordinance 2014-11-2, which calls for a 3 percent increase to town employee wages, was met with some resistance. Councilman Terry Howie stated: “I got a notice that I only got a 1.7 percent increase, for Social Security, and I am an old man. I am against anyone getting a raise of that much.” Clerk-Treasurer Kent Adams responded by saying, “As far as employees, we have quality employees and I see no reason to not give them a 3 percent raise.” Town Marshal Paul Schmitt added, “I will do anything to get the pay up for me and my men, because we deserve it.” The ordinance was eventually approved by a vote of 4-1.

Ordinance 2014-11-3, which fixes the salaries of certain town employees, was approved  unanimously.

Town Engineer Larry Long and Town Attorney James Walmer each gave brief reports, with Long explaining that the lines on the roads will be painted  for the upcoming winter, rather than applying thermal plastic strips.

When the time came for floor topics, Winona Lake resident Doug Koher brought up the potholes on Kings Highway. Allebach joked that he had figured out the zig-zag route necessary to avoid the obstructions, and that he hoped it wouldn’t get him pulled over. Schmitt responded that the police cars would be too busy driving in that fashion as well. Allebach responded to Koher by explaining that there are plans in the works to address the deep potholes.