Syracuse Town Council Tables Decision On New Salt Barn
Clint Houseworth, public works superintendent, and Henry DeJulia, Syracuse town manager, presented a plan for a new salt barn during the Syracuse Town Council’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, June 16. Houseworth explained that the current salt barn, which was built in 1990s, has serious structural issues.
Houseworth recommended a larger salt barn, which will allow for better staging and for the town to purchase salt in bulk. The type of structure he suggested has concrete walls three feet high that are then covered with a metal and membrane structure. The cost of the building is $92,000.
Councilwoman Kathy Beer asked if any other designs were looked at. Houseworth explained that plans to replace the salt barn were in place before he came on board. Beer said her husband’s company builds wooden salt barns that, while more expensive, may last longer. However, she was unable to give a possible cost for the structure or say how long the building would last.
After more discussion the matter was tabled so Houseworth and DeJulia could do more research.
The council approved appropriating $40,000 from wheel tax funds for paving projects, and renewed the maintenance contract for Town Hall.
Beer asked who would be responsible for caring for the sod installed by the new Front Street bridge. After some discussion it was determined that while it was the state or county’s responsibility, the town would probably end up maintaining it.
Police Chief Tony Ciriello reported the department is preparing for the Fourth of July. Additionally, Ciriello and another officer went to the library to read to the kids and answer questions about being a police officer.
Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported the first-ever mud run will be held June 27 at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation. There will be an 1-mile run for kids and a 2-mile run for adults. So far, 80 people have signed up. The Tour des Lakes bike ride will be July 11. Construction on the new pavilion in Lakeside Park will start July 13. Jonsson also noted fireworks will be on Syracuse Lake July 3 and Lake Wawasee July 4.
Houseworth presented the council with an updated construction schedule on the wastewater treatment plant. The construction company will use the entire year, with a completion date of March 17. Most of the equipment replacement is expected to be done over the winter.
During discussion from the floor, Sharon Fowler referred to a town ordinance adopted in 2001 regarding the unsafe building fund. She asked if $10,000 wasn’t to be placed in the fund every year. Clerk Treasurer Julie Kline said no, that was not the case. Councilman Larry Siegel explained thatDeJulia and Vern Landis, town attorney, were working on the making the current housing ordinances stiffer.
Council President Paul Stoetling said going after one or two homeowners who weren’t keeping their property up would inspire others to get theirs in shape. Still, an ordinance needs to be written to address some of the issues in town.
Fowler also asked if town employees have a criminal background check done while going through the interview process. Ciriello said yes.
During discussion from the council, Siegel brought up a letter he received from the Kosciusko Country Economic Redevelopment Corporation asking for membership. All council members received the same letter. The council approved renewing the town’s membership.