Syracuse Town Council members Larry Martindale, left, and Tom Hoover review the agenda before the start of the council’s September meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 18.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Town Council approved spending $59,463 for a new chlorine system to be installed at the wastewater plant during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 18. The cost includes new computer, software, electrical wiring and purchasing chlorine bleach. Installation is to be completed by the end of the year.

Robin Merchant, public works superintendent, told the council the sewer use ordinance has to be updated due in part the language is not up to current Indiana Department of Environmental Management standards. The ordinance needs to give the wastewater department enforcement powers, determine limits and what to do if there are infractions.

Commonwealth Engineering, the engineering company working with the town on the wastewater treatment plant, has been working on the new ordinance as well. Vern Landis, town attorney, will also review the ordinance before it is presented to the council for approval.

A stormwater drainage project was completed on Chicago Street which should eliminate a lot of the standing water after a storm. Merchant got a good response from door tags on Medusa Street residents regarding sump pump inspections. Councilman Tom Hoover, who represents that area, complained about having to have Serv Pro come out everyday for the last two weeks due to sewer backups. The sewer line is too small to handle the current load.

Hoover noted the problem has already affected property sales. Either a larger sewer line needs to be installed or the town will have to stop taking discharge from Turkey Creek Sewer District.

Crack sealing will start in October and the new LED snowflakes are in.

Jeremy Harding of Commonwealth reported the wastewater project would be up and running by mid-October. The town will also start the application process for the Common Crossroads Grant for $154,700. Harding reviewed the grant will cover roadwork and sidewalk installation as well as water main work. The grant is expected to be awarded in late November.