Street Safety Addressed At Leesburg Town Council Meeting
LEESBURG — Leesburg town council members discussed concerns related to street safety in town at their monthly meeting held Monday, June 10.
Resident Connie Watters requested that two signs be installed on Prairie Street alerting drivers that an autistic child lives on that street. At this point, another resident added that she, too, has an autistic child in her home and that these signs would be helpful to her family as well. Council members approved this request.
“Especially after this accident that happened in Warsaw today, I think we all worry for the safety of our children,” said Council President Christina Archer. “Anything we can do to make the town safe for our children, I think is worthwhile.”
Watters then expressed concern over golf carts that are being used in town, some driven by young children. Resident Larry Rose agreed the golf cart situation is a concern. Both noted having seen golf carts being driven by minors cutting in and out of alleys.
“The problem starts with irresponsible parents,” said Council Vice-President Tom Moore. “And you’re not gonna fix that.”
Council Member Doug Jones stated this is more of a traffic issue than a town issue due to the golf carts being driven on a public roadway.
“When you start out with the irresponsible parent, I don’t know how you fix that,” said Moore. “Because all the ordinances, all the rules, all the laws you could pass, will not stop that child from taking that cart down that road. The parent can stop it.”
After some discussion regarding state statutes and town ordinances, Town Attorney Vern Landis agreed to look into this matter and return with more information next month.
Although Street commissioner Craig Charlton was not in attendance, Jones read the street report provided by Charlton prior to the meeting. In the report, Charlton recommended accepting a bid from Super Seal Inc., Warsaw, in the amount of $10,767 for asphalt resealing. This was approved.
Archer requested approval to purchase and install flagpoles to be put on the eight old fashioned style lamp posts in the downtown area. Archer said there would be no cost to the town, as she already has sponsorship to pay for all of them. Archer stated she was seeking approval to purchase the flagpoles and help with installation. This was approved.
Other News:
- A change order for additional concrete construction at the town hall building was approved.
- The July meeting will be held in the newly renovated town hall building on Van Buren Street.
- Community Crossings grant paperwork has been submitted.
- A sanitary sewer update was given by Derek Tenney of Tenney & Sons, Warsaw.
- Council members heard a presentation by Alan Tio, chief executive officer of Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, about transforming communities. According to Tio, redevelopment is being planned for areas along Argonne Road in Warsaw.
- Leesburg clean-up days will be held June 21-22.
- No parking on any street between 3-5 a.m. and no burning anything anytime in Leesburg.
- The next regular meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 8, at Leesburg Town Hall.