Pictured, from left, are Council President Matt Brubaker, Council Member Tom Barker and Council Member Mandy Espinoza.

PIERCETON — The Pierceton Town Council discussed the need for repairs to the police department building as well as recruiting volunteer firefighters during its meeting on Monday, May 13.

During his report to council members, Town Marshal Tim Sammons said the ceiling and floor at the Pierceton Police Department building are in need of repair. The council asked Sammons to look into bids for the repair projects and present them at the next council meeting.

Sammons also said 29 letters have been sent out to residents who are in violation of the town’s junk vehicle ordinance.

“A few residents have requested extensions for moving their vehicles,” said Sammons. “In order to request extensions, I asked those residents who had concerns to come to this council meeting.”

However, only one resident in violation of the ordinance was present at the meeting. Linda Schaeffer requested a six-month extension to move two junk vehicles from a property owned by her brother. The council approved the extension for Schaeffer.

Sammons said citations for junk vehicle ordinance violations will be issued soon.

Pierceton Fire Chief Gordon Baker was also present at the meeting to discuss a nationwide decline in volunteer firefighter recruitment.

“I think council members and the fire department should consult together to help further inform the public on volunteerism,” said Baker. “It’d behoove us to look at that. All these volunteer fire departments are facing the same challenges in recruitment.”

Baker also thanked the Kosciusko County Community Foundation for providing finances and helping run the fire department’s fish fry on Saturday, May 11.

Greg Chism, a Pierceton resident, asked several questions about repairs to an alley near his residence on South 1st Street, as well as the potential for paving work to be done on Second Street. In regards to the Second Street work, the council said it would look into the issue.

In other business, Pierceton Chamber of Commerce President Alicia Elder said the Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission approved $4,500 in grants for the chamber to use for advertising the town’s events. The Chamber will also hold a free community dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Elder also said the Pierceton Days planning committee meets on the third Tuesday of every month and encouraged the public to get involved. This year’s theme is “Honor Your Hero.”

Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation CEO Alan Tio also introduced himself to town council members at the beginning of the meeting and discussed KEDCo’s mission statement.

The council’s next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 10.