Turkey Creek Sewer Celebrates Milestones; Finalizes Projects
CROMWELL — Monday night’s meeting of the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District board was unusually light-hearted; perhaps the waiting period for deciding whether or not to begin a new sewer project had the community relaxed, or maybe the large sheet cake (complete with a poop emoji) helped set the tone.
Whatever it was, the TCRSD got right down to business for the district, and then got right down to celebrating Timothy Woodward’s 30 years on the job.
Board members made a few amendments to the written meeting minutes from September and then approved the new version plus the financial claims. Before any bigger business was tackled, board president James Boone took the opportunity to present Woodward a plaque recognizing his 30 years on the job. Currently acting as plant superintendent, Woodward said he has been in the business of sewage since he was just 10 years old.
Woodward said he joined a program through school in his small hometown that allowed him to learn the ins and outs of the local treatment facility. “God willing, I’d like to go 15 more years,” laughed Woodward. He was honored for serving 30 years with TCRSD Oct. 1.
Andy Boxberger of Carson LLP presented these three resolutions for the board to approve:
Resolution 2019-2: Small purchasing policy that allows Woodward to authorize purchases up to $25,000 and establishes guidelines for approvals more than that amount.
Resolution 2019-3: A pass through cost change that allows TCRSD to pass on cost if homeowner is responsible for damages to TCRSD property, specifically riser rings.
Resolution 2019-4: Amended and restated wage structure that changes how on-call employees are paid and also increases wages for current employees. Changes will be effective Nov. 1 and reviewed annually the first pay period of each year.
Additionally, the board authorized a transfer and assumption order to take over ownership of a sewer line formerly owned by Paul and Barbara Erst. The district will take ownership of 3” line that runs underneath the road on Hiawatha Lane, but the portion of the line on the Ersts’ property will remain their responsibility. This transfer will potentially allow TCRSD to add more sewer connections over the years.
In other news from around the district:
• TCRSD’s Cromwell plant will be the site of a short seminar by Northern Indiana Operators Association for a continuing education opportunity. The two-hour presentation will happen Wednesday, Nov. 13, and will be followed by a cookout and tour of TCRSD facilities.
• Rex Heil provided his notice to the board December’s meeting will be his final service after 19 years.
• Engineer Jeff Hersha of Jones & Henry is working through deficiency lists with Woodward to provide final requests to contractors working at the wastewater plant. Final payment will be contingent on those items being finalized.
The board will meet again 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Questions for the district can be emailed to [email protected].