Winona Lake Town Council Approves Vacation Of Portion of Hamiliton Boulevard
WINONA LAKE — Although they were met with opposition and confusion, the Winona Lake Town Council approve the vacation of a portion of Hamilton Boulevard during the council meeting held on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Attorney Stephen Snyder, presented a summary of the full request that was given last month. The Galliers Trust owns the land adjacent to the property and have been paying taxes on the land. Snyder explained the purpose of the vacation is to resolve the issue of who has the right to use that property. Despite the fact that the Galliers Trust pays taxes on the strip of lakefront property, the land is still considered a right-of-way.
With the proposed ordinance, the boat ramp would remain open for public use, but the surrounding grass areas along the shoreline would be private property.
During the public comment portion of the proposal, residents were confused as to how the town would vacate the property but still allow the boat ramp to remain open for public use. It was even suggested that in the future the boat ramp may be switched to private property due to the vacation.
Town council members explained that legally the boat ramp will remain open for public access. The ordinance will go into public records, which will ensure it is not forgotten in future years.
Regardless of this clarification, residents still had concerns. “This is our only public access to the like in Winona Lake,” stated one resident. “It would be nice have the area to the south to tie boats up while staging.” Snyder explained that due to DNR restrictions, a staging area with a pier would not be allowed.
The council approved the vacation with Tecy Banta opposing.
The restrooms at Limitless Park are closer to becoming a reality. The council approved the low bidder of D & C Construction for a cost of $152,800. Most of the funding was donated with $75,000 coming from the County Visitors Bureau, $5,000 coming from an Operation Round Up grant and $50,000 coming from the Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation.
The approval was made contingent on the fact that the council receives additional quotes to construct the restrooms as year-round facilities. The construction on the restrooms will not begin until the council reviews the additional quotes.
“If we are going to build new restrooms we need to do it right and have the open year-round,” said councilmember Rick Swaim.
In other news:
- The council approved for the current proposed budget to be submitted to Gateway.
- Tecy Banta was officially sworn in as a council member by Town Attorney Jim Walmer. Banta was elected to the council during a caucus held on Aug. 8.
- Sixteen streets have been identified for the Community Crossings Grant. The town will find out soon how much grant money they have been allotted.
- The next budget meeting will be held on Aug. 25.