Syracuse Town Manager Mike Noe, left, and Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, share a laugh before the May meeting of the Syracuse Town Council.

SYRACUSE — A variety of traffic issues were discussed during the Syracuse Town Council meeting held Tuesday night, May 21.

Town Manager Mike Noe presented a letter from the Indiana Department of Transportation stating it agreed with the town establishing “no left turn” from Railroad Avenue onto SR 13.

Later in his report, Noe told the council repairs to the bridge on SR 13, just south of town hall, will be starting soon. Temporary traffic lights will be installed to handle traffic while the work is being done. It’s expected to take a month to complete.

Police Chief Jim Layne asked for an ordinance to install a stop sign at the intersection of Technology Way and Innovation Boulevard, located in the technology park, as well as at the intersection of Thwaits Court and Wildwood Drive, which is near the new park. The council instructed Vern Landis to work on the ordinance.

Layne also asked for input regarding a local business that has customers parking along the west access road. Layne has received a number of complaints from drivers as well as the business’ neighbors.

Councilman Paul Stoelting noted streets  designated as one side parking only has caused some parking issues. Layne pointed out there are no ordinances regarding parking for the access roads.

Stoelting stressed there needed to be uniformity in any ordinance regarding parking on the access roads. Layne was instructed to work with Landis on the matter.

Tim Yeager, in discussion from the floor, urged the council to be sensitive regarding the parking issue. He said owning a successful business in town was difficult, specifically due to parking issues.

The council approved an appropriation of $3,000 from the general fund for public relations. The funds will be used for a sign at the intersection of SR 13 and US 6.

Noe reported Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District is moving forward at a good pace with its sewer construction project. A new lift station has been installed and is now working, helping reduce flow through the pipes on Medusa Street by 65 percent. Councilman Tom Hoover reported he hasn’t had any backups, even with the heavy rain.

Noe is still exploring annexing Kitson Street. He told the council he is still collecting information regarding the cost of installing water and sewer. He had the area checked by camera recently. There is one sewer line, a second one that was supposed to be there could not be found and the water line are too small.

The area consists of 21 houses with an assessed value of approximately $3 million.

The water department has been busy testing and flushing hydrants and has received a few calls regarding rusty water. Noe advised customers should let the water run for a few minutes.

The south water tank will be checked by camera since its been five years and Noe believes the north tower will need to be painted.

In the waste water department, the influent gate has been delivered and will be installed within the next 2-3 weeks.

The street department has been hampered by the weather. Street department crews have been out looking for drainage issues as well as fixing pot holes and collecting brush when they can.

Hoover asked about pot holes on SR 13. Noe said those were the responsibility of Indot to fix. Musser asked what the green collars were around the utility poles. Noe said they were silt collectors to prevent silt from going into the water ways while the poles are being worked on.

In the police report, Layne reported he had one ADA complaint regarding a number of issues. He was looking into them. Calvin Kline has been hired as the ordinance officer. This is a part time position.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, noted the parks were getting very busy. Life guards will be on duty at Lakeside Park this weekend. They will be off duty until school ends for the summer.

The Mudtastic Classic is set for June 22 at the Wawasee Area Conservancy property. Around 300 runners are expected to participate.

Public hearings have been held regarding Laudeman Park. Concerns have been raised about the park being too active. Neighbors would like the area to be a passive park. Plans regarding the park are still being worked on.

Fire Chief Mickey Scott reported the renovation work at Station I is complete and an open house was held May 18. A free CPR class will be offered at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, to anyone interested in learning CPR. To register for the class call (574) 457-4100.

Paula Kehr-Wicker, clerk-treasurer, noted Town Hall will be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.

Larry Martindale, council president, reported the day care committee is assessing what day care options are available in town. There is only one, which would like to double its operation, but would require about $25,000 to do so.