Aaron Teeters discusses electricity usage at Fasttimes Fabrication with council members. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Shepherd.

By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

ETNA GREEN — The Etna Green Town Council discussed electricity service at a local business and property upkeep at a residence during a meeting on Tuesday, July 14.

During the council’s June meeting, council member Susan Klinefelter presented a letter from Fasttimes Fabrication owner Heath Roberts regarding concerns about the town potentially replacing a power pole near his business and installing three-phase transformers on the pole.

Roberts was present at this month’s meeting to discuss the concerns along with Aaron Teeters, who’s assisted the town in previous years with electric rates. In a discussion with Roberts and council members, Teeters presented numbers focused on the business’s electricity usage and cost-of-service.

The cost of installing new transformers on a pole near the business would be about $12,000, excluding labor.

Roberts noted that the lighting at his business tends to flicker and said an electric pole near the building is leaning.

“I can’t start bringing more machinery into this building or even bringing welders down here because it spikes power back and forth,” said Roberts.

Teeters told Roberts that power quality issues may be to blame for the issues. Council voted to bring in someone not employed with the town to look into the matter to determine if there is a power quality issue before considering the installation of new transformers or a pole.

Council also discussed property upkeep at 117 N. Walnut St. The property is owned by Gary Pitts.

“They refuse to get the weeds out and there’s garbage in the back yard,” said Council Member Jason Hanes about the property. “According to our ordinances, we’re allowed to go right in and fix the problem. But it has to be brought before council before we can do that. That neighborhood’s been kept pretty clean and that area’s just an eyesore.”

Council voted to have Wastewater/Street Superintendent Andy Cook look into hiring someone to mow and clean the property.

Klinefelter also asked about drivers failing to stop at the four-way intersection of SR 19 and Old Road 30. Hanes and Clerk-Treasurer Patti Cook both told Klinefelter they were approached by Kosciusko County Sheriff Kyle Dukes during the Fourth of July parade regarding police protection in the town. More information on the matter will be discussed during the council’s August meeting.

In other business, council also:

• Approved $796.16 in utility adjustments for pool fillings.
• Commended the Hartzell family, who own the Etna Elevator, for organizing this year’s Fourth of July activities. “They put a lot of money of their own into making that fireworks show happen,” said Hanes. Anyone who would like to donate to next year’s fireworks show can do so at the Etna Elevator.
• Heard from Town Attorney Jay Rigdon that the town may be contacted soon by Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation CEO Alan Tio regarding an irrevocable letter of credit for the USDA loan the town has with Winona Powder Coating.

The council’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11.