Pictured, from left, Commissioner Brad Jackson and President Bob Conley.

KOSCIUSKO — Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Kosciusko commissioners meeting, Ken Jones Sr., CEO of Jones Petrie Rafinski, Elkhart, addressed the commissioners to further discuss the sanitary sewer issue at Lake Tippecanoe. Jones provided commissioners with a summary of information related to studies that have been done over the years.

“Altogether there have been eight studies completed over the last 48 years that discuss the need and feasibility of a sanitary sewer system at Lake Tippecanoe,” Jones stated. He explained that the first study had been completed in 1970 and the most recent in 2016-2017.

Attorney Steve Snyder then spoke about a request made at the last meeting for additional studies.

“I think what Ken has indicated is that this particular project has been studied to death for 48 years, always with the same conclusion – it’s time to put in a public sewer system,” Snyder said. “At this point there is no need for an additional study.”

“I would suggest that getting behind the pending application for the conservancy district is the appropriate thing to do at this point,” Snyder advised. “Let’s go for it – it’s already on file.”

“The majority of people who’ve signed the petition want sewers, regardless of whether it’s regional or conservancy,” said Lake Tippecanoe resident Joe Tynan.

Commissioners expressed surprise at this revelation, stating that in the past it seemed that those involved either wanted only a regional district or only a conservancy district.

“Assuming that a decision is made to proceed with an expansion of the district at Lakeland or to form a new one, it starts with a petition from the elected officials,” said Jones. “I could work with Chad (Miner) to put together the exact steps that the commissioners would need to take to accomplish filing that petition.”

It was agreed that that there would be further discussion on this matter and it would be readdressed at the next commissioner meeting.

Other news:

• Attorney Chad Miner submitted an encroachment agreement in regards to an area of Bensart Drive on the north side of Beaver Dam Lake in Seward Township. This agreement was discussed at the previous commissioners meeting and was drawn up by Attorney Scott Reust. The commissioners accepted this agreement.
• County Administrator Marsha McSherry requested approval for an ordinance addendum to the Kosciusko County Employee safety manual. The request was approved.
• Ann Torpy requested permission to box up files for court records and have them stored in an off-site facility. Torpy advised this was done a couple of years ago and that there is an ongoing agreement with the storage facility. This request was approved by commissioners.
• KABS General Manager Amanda Landis presented 4th quarter claims and a purchase agreement for two new busses that will be purchased this summer to replace two older vehicles. Commissioners approved both.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20.