SYRACUSE — Syracuse Town Council wants people using the Harold Shrock Youth Athletic Field to use the parking lot provided. So a no parking ordinance for Maple and Brooklyn streets was adopted during the council’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening, Jan. 19.

The new ordinance states there is to be no parking on either side of Maple Street, commencing at the intersection of Maple Street and Portland Street and extending south to the intersection of Maple and Brooklyn streets.

Town Manager Henry DeJulia requested permission to purchase a new vehicle, a 2016 Jeep, which will also be used by the police department at night and in the wintertime when four-wheel drive is needed. The council approved the purchase.

DeJulia requested council members who plan to attend the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce dinner should let Paula Kehr-Wicker, clerk-treasurer, know so she can make reservations.

DeJulia noted he will be meeting with school officials regarding the future of Syracuse Elementary School once the new school is complete. He will also be meeting with the new Elkhart County Redevelopment Director regarding the technology park.

Police Chief Jim Layne reviewed the monthly report for calls for service with the council.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported the park board had turned in a tree summary to the Arbor Day Foundation. Adult basketball league has started with nine teams playing. The next indoor yard sale will be in March, all booths have already been sold and a waiting list has started.

The ice rink at Schrock field is open. Syracuse Community Center has skates available for a $20 deposit. Upcoming events include the Kiwanis Soup Supper Jan. 29.

Robin Merchant, public works superintendent, reported an additional water main leak was found on SR 13. Headway has been made on the wellhead protection phase two required by the state. A letter was sent to industrial customers that could pose a potential problem to the town’s wellheads. The fire chief has also been notified. An updated wellhead protection map just needs to be developed.

Merchant also received permission to purchase a John Deere tractor for $16,575 along with trading in the old tractor. He also received approval in purchasing a lawn tractor for the wastewater department for $1,579.

The council also learned Jeremy Sponseller, who is the former public works superintendent, is now working for Triad, the company handling the wastewater treatment plant renovation. He reported there are no major issues with the project and work will continue as weather permits.

Kehr-Wicker requested permission to forward the encumbrances from last year. The council approved forwarding $170,623.73.

In old and new business, Councilman Bill Musser asked about a 40 percent increase on a bill from Mediacom. Council President Larry Siegel asked Musser about a video to promote the town. Musser said when he looked into it, the cost was very expensive.