At the Mentone Town Council meeting on Wednesday, April 7, are, from left: Council Member Tim Croy, Town Clerk-Treasurer Nicki Norris, Council President Jill Gross, Council Member Shelly Krueger and Town Attorney Andrew Grossnickle. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

MENTONE — Mentone is to replace a faulty storm sewer pipe.

At its meeting on Wednesday, April 7, at Mentone Town Hall, the Mentone Town Council heard from civil engineer James Emans.

Town Utilities Superintendent Josh Shepherd asked him to speak to the council. Emans, of Emans Engineering of Bremen, helps the town with engineering projects.

He told the council the 24-inch pipe of a storm sewer in an alley between Franklin and Walnut Streets, south of Monroe Street and north of Jefferson Street, needs replaced.

“We’ve had half a dozen repairs to it already and we’re currently experiencing a sinkhole down at Walnut Street in the alley side,” said Emans. “Josh has had that pipe videoed by a crew and it’s in terrible shape.”

“We both feel strongly that it’s time to replace it. It’s about 315 feet of pipe,” said Emans.

The estimated cost for the project is $57,000, he said. That might differ depending on what quotes from companies the town’s able to get.

The council approved having Emans get quotes for the project.

Town contract

The council agreed to not accept proposed terms of a new contract with American Tower.

Town Attorney Andrew Grossnickle brought the issue before the council.

The company rents ground from the town to house a cell tower. Its current contract is good, but the company wanted to renegotiate it.

As part of one option, the company wanted to pay 10% more with its renewal instead of 15%. As part of another option, it wanted to pay a lump sum instead of monthly rent and require the town to restrict competitors.

In other business, the council:

• Approved raising the rate for its Cumulative Capital Development Fund.

Mentone property owners will see a small tax increase from the change. The town is raising the rate from 0.0383 to 0.05. That means that someone with property valued at $100,000 will see an increase of $4, said Town Clerk-Treasurer Nicki Norris.

The council had two public hearings on the issue, one before March 3’s meeting and one before Wednesday’s meeting. No one from the public spoke at either one.

• Set the date for the town’s cleanup day as Saturday, May 15.

Residents may put out one large item. The rest of their items must be bagged and fill an area no larger than 6 feet by 6 feet.

Residents should also check with the town to see what items they shouldn’t put out.

• Heard from Council Member Tim Croy that the Mentone Chamber of Commerce’s Easter egg hunt went well.

The Chamber is seeking contestants for the Mentone Egg Festival’s Miss Mentone pageant, he said.

Girls ages 14-20 may participate. They must be 14 by May 1, said Croy. Additional guidelines are on the contestant forms available at Java Jacks.

The council’s next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 5.