Problems With Undeveloped Street Heard
PIERCETON — While no funds are available for paving, Pierceton Town Council members will look into resolving an access problem that Carl and Deb Finken and others residing south of the end of South First Street have. This was among matters heard by the council at their monthly meeting Monday, Aug. 10.
The Finkens requested the council finish a reported street behind their home and post with a dead end street sign. The area in question is at the end of South Second Street. For years the Finkens and other residents have used that grassy area as an access to the back of their properties. Piles of snow in the winter is prohibiting use of that area and at one time there was a port-a-potty and dumpster in that area for the construction of a new home.
Finkens were told the town has no funds to pave the street and according to Chip Hill, town manager, each property owner owns one-half of the alleged unapproved street. It was also believed that area is a utility right-of-way.
However Finkens, upon checking with county records, found that was a platted street. Council members stated they would look at the matter. It is speculated the area in question is a plotted street, never developed.
Police Chief Tim Sammons reported the railroad crossing in Pierceton is not just being reworked, it is being completely redone. “It probably should have been done a long time ago,” reported Sammons.
In the last meeting, he presented a quote for $2,862 by Priority One for upgrading surveillance and video equipment for the department. Last night, a second quote was put forth for $5,340 by Cottage Watchman. Sammons stressed the need to get a quote chosen to stay compliant with state laws regarding interviewing suspects.
Sammons concluded his report by bringing a request to the council to create an ordinance on golf carts. While he stressed he understands the luxury and convenience of golf carts, the town should establish boundaries in order to protect the safety of its citizens. There is currently no ordinance on the use of golf carts.
Chip Hall, town manager, said sewer lining is around 60 percent completed, and an October completion is projected. When finished, the lining should help the lines to last longer, and fix the cracks already there. The council approved paying a $557,711.06 claim on the work so far. The total project is $1.2 million.
Kim Rose reported Pierceton Days was a huge success, in spite of being around the same time as the Elkhart County Fair and an event in North Manchester. They had 106 cars compete in the car show.