North Webster Town Council took a step closer to satisfying the demands of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management last night by hiring an engineering firm to represent it.

Triad Associates Inc. and the town signed a contract for advice during the grant and financing phases of the process to bring the sewer system and treatment plant up to the standards mandated by IDEM. Rick L. Pharis, PE, Goshen, will be the town’s contact with the firm. Pharis commented, “Timing is critical for financing options.”

Most of the meeting was devoted to the pros and cons of hiring an independent engineering firm. It all boiled down to the fact to navigate the complex world of government regulations and finance, help is needed that puts the town’s interests first. Town attorney Jack Birch recommended the town hire its own engineering firm.

Police Chief Greg Church reported 193 calls of service during February. Officer hours were 624.25 with 3,146 miles driven using 298.5 gallons of fuel. Council member Lisa Strombeck brought up the fact the portable radio signals are not working well on calls involving the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. Church will look into the cost of a booster system.

(For a more in-depth account of the meeting, see today’s issue of The Mail-Journal.)