Heather James being sworn in by town attorney James Walmer

WINONA LAKE — The newest Winona Lake Council member Heather James was sworn into office during the Winona Lake Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

James was voted in as the ward 4 council member during a caucus on Tuesday, Jan. 10. James replaces former  council member Robert Swanson. Swanson had to abdicate his seat after he was unable to serve in the district because he moved out of the area.

During the meeting, street superintendent Tom Miller indicated he would like an ordinance written that would require residents to abstain from using plastic bags to hold yard debris the street department picks up. He mentioned during leaf-pickup season or when residents clean brush from their yards, they often put the debris in plastic bags for the department to pick up. He believes the town needs to be more environmentally friendly by using paper bags or containers that are biodegradable.

“I think it’s really important we start this new process,” Miller said.

Council member Peter Christos agreed and mentioned that a lot of larger cities have already made steps to become more environmentally conscious in their disposal of debris from yards.

The council tossed around ideas of whether they should provide paper bags to residents for free or whether there should be a charge. They also considered simply letting residents know the stores in town that bags can be purchased from.

The council approved a motion made to have the town attorney write an ordinance addressing the issue of using biodegradable materials for yard debris.

The Winona Lake Fire Department roof will be getting a much needed fix in the coming near future. The council accepted a bid for $23,800 from Royalty Roofing to fix the leaky roof. Council member Rick Swain commented, “It’s been needed to be done for about a year.”

Winona Lake Town Marshal Joe Hawn informed the council the previously purchased body cameras are being used by officers at the Winona Lake Police Department. A grant used to purchase the body cameras and police car cameras is also being used by the department to purchase a computer to hold the video from the cameras. He indicated he is looking at creating a document that will give officers guidelines on how to properly use the cameras.

Other News:

• Bruce Shaffner was elected as the president of board. Swain was voted as vice president of the board.
• The Village of Winona will be holding a pajama party sale from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.  Jan. 28. Individuals wearing pajamas while they shop will receive a discount from participating shops in the village during the event.
• The council approved the hiring of Laurie Renier, a former Kosciusko County Assessor, as a part-time clerk for Kent Adams.
• The council approved the 2017 agreement between Winona Lake and the town engineer.
• The council approved a request to change make a 15-foot stretch of the greenway into an easement owned by the town.
• The council approved an ordinance adding additional zoning provisions.