SYRACUSE — Syracuse Town Council used its last monthly meeting of the year Tuesday night, Dec. 19, to wrap up a variety of matters.

Approved was the salary and compensation ordinance for town employees.

A new parking ordinance affects the west side of North Harrison Street, the east side of both North Lake and North Front streets, the south side of East Henry and the north side of East Benton streets. Other streets included in the new parking ordinance are the south side of East Carroll, the north side of East Pearl, both sides of Washington and the north side of East Washington streets.

The new parking ordinance came at the request of the Syracuse Police Department with support from the Turkey Creek Fire Territory. When parking was permitted on both sides of these streets, it was difficult for traffic to move through them and almost impossible for emergency vehicles. Parking will now be allowed on only one side of the street.

The council approved a resolution authorizing end of the year transfers and closing the 2017 books.

Todd Williams of Hoosier S.T.A.R.T appeared before the council to give a brief explanation of the program, which will now allow employees to either save pre-tax dollars or in an account similar to a Roth IRA. The Roth IRA option is new and being offered at no cost to the town. After hearing how it works, the council approved allowing the provision.

The council approved having Miller Norcen Insurance out of Bremen to continue handling the town’s insurance.

The council also made 2018 appointments. Henry DeJulia remains as town manager; Vern Landis remains as town attorney; Jim Layne remains as police chief; Larry Siegel, Paul Stoelting, Ernie Rogers, Dan VanLue and DeJulia remain on the redevelopment commission; Tom Hoover, Larry Martindale and Corky Wong are on the Turkey Creek Fire Territory board; Chad Jonsson and DeJulia remain on the tree board; Randy Cox will represent the town on the county; and Paul Newcomer and Mary Hursh remain on the park board. Ben Plikerd will be replaced on the Syracuse BZA. When council asked who the new representative would be, DeJulia responded, “I have an individual that is interested but does not want to be mentioned until it is decided to replace Ben.” The council then approved the 2018 appointments.

In department reports, DeJulia reported he is working with consultants trying to resolve the matter between the town and Turkey Creek Sewer District. Councilman Bill Musser told DeJulia he wants an answer regarding the issue before the January council meeting. DeJulia said construction in the park is going well.

He also attended an Indiana Department of Transportation meeting regarding installing a roundabout at SR 13 and US 6. There were questions regarding the technology park and increased buggy traffic in the area. DeJulia said state representatives, two town representatives and INDOT engineers and consultants attended. Town officials weren’t even aware of the meeting until a day or two before it took place. Another meeting is planned for January.

Layne requested permission to enter into a lease purchase agreement for three new squad cars. The council approved the agreement. The department is currently going through the hiring process. Candidates went through physical and agility training Sunday, Dec. 17, and the three remaining will go through a background check, polygraph and interview.
The police department is looking for one new officer.