No Major Clashes During Mentone Council Meeting
MENTONE — Those expecting the Battle of the Board during the Monday, Nov. 2, Mentone Town Council meeting were pleasantly surprised as things proceeded peacefully.
After approving previous minutes, the council unanimously voted to begin advertising for a new deputy marshal. Town Marshal Jim Eads asked to clarify whether the hiring would begin as of Jan. 1, to which Council President Tim Croy replied that it may not be that exact date, but it would be as of January.
“Personally myself, I’ve talked to people in town and some of the business owners and they’re all agreeable that we need a deputy,” Croy said.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department has been providing extra patrols for the town and Croy thanked them for their work.
Under new business, resident Chris Treber asked for the council’s permission to launch a website for Mentone, where area residents can find information and have a way to contact members of the council. Treber noted that the website is already created but that she needs the council’s approval before posting it.
The council reacted favorably to the idea and agreed to review it.
Jenny Holloway was also present, representing the Facebook group “Mentone Community Coming Together,” launched shortly after the October council meeting.
“It’s been brought to our attention that group was created to destroy the town,” she said. “And that’s not true.”
She added the idea was to provide a place for residents of Mentone and the surrounding area to communicate and to discuss local topics.
“Everyone wants to be on the same page,” she said.
Croy said he attempted several times to join the group and was rejected. Holloway invited him to try again, saying she would make sure he was accepted. She invited the rest of the council members to join, as well.
Holloway also addressed comments that those making up the group are not all Mentone residents.
“I grew up here, I have family growing up here. It matters to me,” she said.
Others started offering suggestions for the group, such as a way for those needing help with yard work to request volunteers. One representative member of the group spoke up about the meeting.
“I appreciate the tone of this meeting,” he said. “It’s been positive and I appreciate that very much.”
A note on the council agenda stated that the Open Door law does not necessarily grant the public the right to speak during a meeting. This was a major concern during the October meeting.
Croy reminded everyone to vote Tuesday, Nov. 3 and welcomed Mentone council candidate Bobby Asher, who was among those gathered.
Other News
- Under old business, the council decided to hold off on purchasing a new truck for the police department. They also renewed the town’s interlocal agreement with the county.
- The board approved requests by Josh Shephard for new tires for a skid loader for $1,200 and a snow plow attachment for the newer four-wheel drive pickup truck at $5,695.06. The town had purchased the truck but decided to hold off on the plow at the time.
- A hitching post is in place behind the Ace Hardware store. Some concern was brought up about potential smell from horse manure, but Croy said that so far it has not been a problem.
- Under new business, the council accepted a $2,500 donation to the Mentone Cemetery by a local resident on behalf of her husband, who is buried there. The funds are for cemetery maintenance and upkeep.