Pictured, from left, are council members Bruce Shaffner, Rick Swaim, Denny Duncan and Heather James.

WINONA LAKE — With little discussion and a short meeting, the Winona Lake Town Council approved a stop sign ordinance last night, Oct. 17.

The ordinance, which was discussed in detail during last month’s meeting, proposes four new stop signs to the alley ways cutting from 12th Street and Auditorium as well as Court Street to West Canal Street.  The stop signs would provide more traffic control to the intersection of the two alleys where there has been none thus far.

“We felt that the best remedy to the solution is to put a stop sign there,” said Winona Lake Town Marshal Joe Hawn. “There is not typically much traffic there.”

In addition to the four stop signs being added, foliage in the area will be cleaned up to provide better visibility. The board unanimously approved the ordinance.

The 2018 budget was approved without discussion. The total tax supported budget for 2018 is $2,755,877, up $88,316 or 3.31 percent from this year’s budget.

Changes in the budget result from three funds. The general fund is up 4.14 percent to a total of $1.452,927, the motor vehicle highway fund is up 3.1 percent to a total of $886,400 and the parks and recreation fund is up 4.6 percent to a total of $58,550. All other tax supported funds saw no change. The 2018 budget also includes a three percent salary increase for all employees except for the clerk treasurer who saw no change.

In other news:

• The council discussed not received any funds from the Community Crossings Grant. Craig Allebach, town coordinator, has yet to meet with INDOT officials but credits a mix up on project estimates and priorities as why Winona Lake did not receive the grant.
• Ellie’s Run for SIDS will take place at Winona Lake Park at 9 a.m. Oct. 21.
• Leaf pickup begins Oct. 23. Residents are reminded not to rake their leaves into the street.
• Trick-or-treating will take place from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31.
• The Winona Lake Community Dinner will take place at 6 p.m. Nov. 16, at Westminster. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at town hall.
• The Christmas tree lighting in the Village at Winona will take place on Nov. 25.