Mentone resident Andrew Eldridge was introduced to board members last night as a new reserve police officer.

MENTONE — At the Monday, June 5, Mentone town council meeting, Mentone Town Marshal Jim Eads introduced Andrew Eldridge, a new reserve police officer. Eldridge was hired to replace Sam Bohnke after Bohnke was promoted to deputy marshal during the Mentone Town Council meeting held Monday, April 3. Bohnke had served as a reserve officer for six years prior to being promoted to deputy marshal.

Eldridge, a Mentone resident, stated he is currently a fireman and an EMT and always wanted to work for the Police Department. Eldridge stated, “I get along great with the guys and I’m ready to give it a shot.”

Mentone Utilities Superintendent Josh Shepherd informed board members that one of his employees quit approximately two weeks ago. Applications will be accepted through June 16 for a full-time position with the Mentone Water & Street Department. Responding to praise from board members regarding the appearance of the cemetery over the Memorial Day weekend, Shepherd said he would like to thank all his part-time employees for helping out, stating, “It wasn’t a very good time to lose somebody.” Shepherd said whoever is hired for the open position will be required to participate in training and receive licensing in wastewater and mosquito spraying.

Mentone resident Justin Worstler was in attendance at last night’s meeting. Worstler recently bought property between Jackson Street and Viking Drive in Mentone. The town of Mentone owns the neighboring property. Worstler tore down the house on his property, with the intention of rebuilding on the existing foundation. During this process, Worstler discovered that his septic system is on the portion of the property owned by the town of Mentone. Worstler requested that the town sell him a section of their land so that his septic system will be on his own property. Board members agreed to type up a “good faith agreement” stating that the northern 40 feet of that tract of land will be sold to Worstler, with the town retaining the south portion of the property. Price will be determined at 35 percent of the purchase price.

A motion was made to add a storm water charge to the town utility bills. This charge will begin appearing in February 2018, with a charge of $2 per month for residential and $4 per month for industrial. This motion was approved.

Other news:

• The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 3.
• An executive town board meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 19, followed by a special public meeting starting at 7 p.m. the same day.
  

  Mentone Community Emergency Services, located at 201 W Main Street, Mentone.