Shown are Syracuse Town Council members, from left, Larry Martindale, Tom Hoover, Larry Siegel, Bill Musser and Paul Stoelting. (File photo)

SYRACUSE — During old business, Councilman Tom Hoover made a motion to file suit against Triad, an engineering firm, and Severen Trent for issues relating to the rehabilitation of the town’s wastewater treatment plant.

Hoover made the motion during the Syracuse Town Council’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, April 17, and it passed. Only councilman Paul Stoetling was absent.

In other business the council found several businesses in substantial compliance in regards to their tax abatements. Those businesses are: Precision Automotive, which has tax abatements for personal property and real property; JP Inc., personal property; Patrick Industries, personal property; Syracuse Properties LLC, real property; and PolyWood, two abatements for personal property.

In department reports, Town Manager Henry DeJulia told the council the cost of the rate study done by London Witte would be covered by the bond for repairs to the wastewater treatment plant. The council also approved two engagement letters, one for $20,000 for London Witte and another for $23,000 to $28,0000 by Barnes and Thornburg for work on the plant. Both of these will also be covered by the bond.

Council President Bill Musser asked Police Chief Jim Layne how much damage was done to squad cars involved in a recent pursuit. Layne said the insurance quotes aren’t in yet, but the cars are drivable. Layne also reported he’s working on revising a recently passed parking ordinance and will bring those revisions to the council meeting in May.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported a lot is going on in the parks despite the cold. The Easter egg hunts had a good turnout and the Princess Parties, held this past weekend, were over capacity with a few people showing up without registering.

Upcoming events include a Pitch, Hit and Run event at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at Schrock field. Touch a Truck will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 5, and the farmer’s market will open for the season May 12.

At 1 p.m. Saturday, April 21, there will be a tree planting event at Laudeman Park where about 30 trees will be planted in honor of Arbor Day. The community is invited to help.

Work continues on the restrooms and the park board is looking at having food trucks provide concessions during the summer.

Robin Merchant, public works superintendent, requested the council approve spending $107,898 with Scadata, a company that will provide an alarm system for the wastewater treatment plant and eight lift stations. The cost for the alarms is already covered in the original cost of the repair work on the plant. The council approved the purchase.

Merchant proposed replacing the snowflake lights that are hung at Christmas time for LED styled snowflake lights. Currently the cost of electrical use of the lights is $13,000. With the LED lights the cost would drop to $692. Cost to replace the lights would be $26,332 but they would pay for themselves within two seasons. Merchant told the council he found a company in Pierceton making the lights.

Merchant reported the town has received several rebates from NIPSCO and he is seeking more. Musser asked if the rebates were a credit on the town’s energy bill or if they came as checks. Merchant said they came as checks.

The council approved the Turkey Creek Fire Territory spending $34,435.70 to replace five self contained air devices and 12 air bottles.