Pictured, from left, Commissioner President Bob Conley and Vice-President Cary Groninger.

KOSCIUSKO — During the Kosciusko Commissioners meeting held Tuesday, Oct. 30, County Attorney Chad Miner advised making a final decision regarding what areas will be included in the Tippy-Chapman Regional Sewer District. Ken Jones Sr., CEO of Jones Petrie Rafinski, Elkhart, said properties in two areas, Old Mill Place and Lake Forest Addition, are being recommended as appropriate to omit.

“To make the change, we would officially change the map and rewrite the legal description,” said Jones. Commissioners approved the changes.

“One thing you should know is that the overall design of the system will have capacity for some growth,” Jones added. He said if property owners change their minds in the future and want to be included, they would go to the regional sewage district board and make that request.

Three Chapman Lake residents spoke at today’s meeting. Bob Kokenge informed commissioners that he has collected approximately 180 signatures from property owners who are against the sewer district. 

“The lake needs to be controlled. The dam is plugged up by beavers,” said Bob Kokenge. “If the lake was controlled a little better, there are some people who wouldn’t have these problems. Most of us have very good systems that were put in by county standards and work very well.”

He stated the dam on Little Chapman has been plugged up all summer. 

“The beavers have it plugged up,” Kokenge said, adding, “I don’t know if Mr. Jones hired the beavers?”

Elaine Kokenge spoke next, addressing Commissioner Vice-President Cary Groninger, who is the owner of G&G Hauling & Excavating, Inc., Warsaw.

“Cary, is it true that there are only two places in the county that are allowed to transport this certified soil to fill our septic tanks. Are there only two people — and one of them is you?”

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” Groninger responded. “Certified soil?”

“Everyone said the tanks are destroyed and they are filled with certified soil and that is specifically the only soil that is allowed to fill those tanks with the destruction process,” Elaine Kokenge explained. “Is it true that only two people in the county have that?”

Jones said he also was unsure what Kokenge was referring to. 

“The material that is left in the tank is evacuated to an appropriate treatment center. The top of the tank is crushed and the tank is filled with gravel or sand,” said Jones. “There isn’t a certified grade or stipulation that I know of for that material. “

At that point Commissioner Brad Jackson intervened. “I’m going to say something because you got my blood pressure up real quick,” said Jackson. “We serve because we do what’s good for the community and for you to to insinuate he’s (Groninger) doing this for money is totally false and I’m not going to listen to it.”

Elaine Kokenge apologized, stating that was what she had heard. 

Commissioners approved recommendations provided by County Highway Department Superintendent Scott Tilden for  contract snow plowing. Tilden gave recommendations for three areas. Contracts were approved for SiteWorx Services LLC., Warsaw, for the locations of The Dells, Perry Drive, Woodfield Estates, Woodfield Manor including CR 75E, north of CR 225S, Flagstone Terrace, Southbrook Park, Candlewood Estates, Barrington Hills and Wausau Street at the rate of $60 an hour; Mann’s Snow Removal, Warsaw, for Dwight Drive north of CR 200S, at $60 an hour; and Steve’s Hauling, Excavating & Snow Removal, Warsaw, for the Hoffman Lake area at the rate of $65 an hour. 

Other News:

• Commissioners approved a request by Kosciusko Area Planning Director Dan Richard to vacate the old right of way at a portion of Kern Road no longer being used after the road was reconfigured last year in a project near Wawasee High School.
• County Administrator Marsha McSherry presented quotes from Robinson Construction, Warsaw, in the amount of $38,066 and D&D Electric, Etna Green, in the amount of $8,285 to add office space at the justice building for the probation department. Both were approved.
• County Auditor Michelle Puckett received approval for an annual solid waste agreement.
• Commissioners approved two items submitted by KABS Transportation General Manager Amanda Landis: a third quarter claim and a reimbursement claim for the purchase of two new buses.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13.