The Pierceton Town Council heard from Surf Internet representatives at its special meeting on Monday, Nov. 27. Pictured, from left, are Town Attorney Tammy Keirn, Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast, Council President Matt Brubaker, Council Member Tom Barker, and Council Vice-President Janet Castle.
InkFreeNews photo by Brianna Pitts.

By Brianna Pitts
InkFreeNews

PIERCETON — Pierceton Town Council moved forward with Surf Internet at its special meeting held on Monday, Nov. 27.

Surf Internet representatives told the council they typically do not enter into guarantee agreements; however, they do offer a performance bond to have as a sort of guarantee in case the company ever closed its doors or if any sewer lines were ever hit. They also assured the council they take care of their customers, stating that if a pipe or line was hit, no matter the time or cost, they would ensure it would be taken care of by either their contractor or any hired contractor.

Representatives further explained they have an extensive crew of support for their customers and, if approved, they could start drilling as soon as next week. The council approved Surf Internet setting up their infrastructure in Pierceton as well as attaining the performance bond of $10,000.

Representatives from Kaleidoscope Weddings and Events came before the council to share some updates on their venue. They brought renderings of the updated space for the council to view. They said they have received good feedback from the community and it seems people are excited about this venue coming to the area. They also shared their interest in pursuing a liquor license from the state, but would need a written letter of approval from the town. The council approved this request.

The town thanked Kaleidoscope for their cooperation and communication with the council.

The council also discussed pay for the returning deputy clerk-treasurer. Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast advocated on the deputy clerk-treasurer’s behalf, saying they should give her a raise from her prior pay of $17.51, to $19. The council members did not feel comfortable with this raise in only one department. They felt that they would need to give equivalent raises to everyone, but did not think that was in the budget to do so. Ultimately, they agreed to offer the deputy clerk-treasurer $18 per hour, and review a possible raise at year’s end for all departments.

In other business:

• The council rejected a request to pay tapping fees on a house being built after selling due to it opening the door for others to not pay tapping fees in the future.
• The council decided a meeting with Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, will be held as an executive session, with the normal meeting following it.
• The council heard a request brought to Town Superintendent Casey Boggs about a local business owner wanting to put an ornamental fence around his business. Boggs told the council this fence would not interfere with any town utilities. The council said the owner would have to make sure the fence does not conflict with the county’s ordinance before they could approve it.