Syracuse Swears In New Police Chief, Hears Update
SYRACUSE — Syracuse Town Council swore in Jim Layne as the town’s new police chief during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, Nov. 17. Layne had served as interim chief since Tony Ciriello retired last month.
Robin Merchant, public works superintendent, reported to the council the wastewater renovation project is moving very slowly due to the contractor ordering wrong supplies. He explained the contractor ordered rebar in the wrong size for concrete work on a new tank and a sledge pump and electrical panel in the wrong voltage. “There seems to be a disconnect between the engineer and the general contractor,” Merchant told the council.
He has a meeting scheduled with both the engineer and contractor for Tuesday, Nov. 24, to discuss the matter.
The current sludge pump was also taken off line as part of the project, but hauling the sludge away until the new pump could be installed was not taken into consideration in the project plans. Merchant has been looking for a place to haul the sludge. Currently some is being hauled to a facility in Fort Wayne and Merchant is checking with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management regarding land application at some sites used by the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District.
Merchant also reported there have been up to 60 meter changes since last month’s meeting. The council approved the purchase of a walk behind concrete saw for $7,716.15 to include shipping the saw.
The council approved renewing its health insurance plan with Physicians Health Plan. Chris Cotton, insurance agent for the town, did inform the council it should look at different insurance options in the future. The plan the town currently has is not offered by any other carrier.
Town Manager Henry DeJulia requested purchasing a new plow and assembly for residential streets in Oakwood Park. The council approved the $7,185 cost. DeJulia also received approval to spend $7,915.15 for three new hydrants for Oakwood Park. These will replace the old hydrants when they go out.
In the police department report, Layne reported Capt. Cal Kline and Hal Hansborough, building inspector, have been working on building code violations. So far 70 violations have been noted and letters are being sent to property owners.
The council approved renewing the interlocal terminal services data agreement with Kosciusko County.
Chad Jonsson, parks superintendent, reported the indoor yard sale and the Haunted Thrill in Crosson Mill were both successful last month, as was the Lakeland Youth Center’s annual carnival.
Holiday Magic will be celebrated at Lakeland Youth Center from 1 to 4 p.m. and then move to Crosson Mill Park from 4 to 7 p.m. for entertainment, Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree Saturday, Nov. 21. Breakfast with Santa will be from 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 5.
Councilman Larry Siegel asked how work on the park department’s the comprehensive plan is going. Jonsson said well as he is receiving input from a number of resources. Siegel suggested posting a sign regarding the town ordinance about using firearms in residential areas.