Resident Larry Kinsey listens as the North Webster Town Council discusses business at its Tuesday, Sept. 18, meeting. He was following up issues at the end of East Washington Street he brought up in August.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Town Council was visited by three people asking questions about a variety of town issues. Representing the North Webster American Legion Post 253 were the Legion’s CFO Don Coverstone and Tracey Sleighter, general manager. Local resident Larry Kinsey was following up on issues he brought to the council last month.

Coverstone and Sleighter explained the Legion’s sewer bill was predicated on the number of members. The Legion currently has 1,981 members including Sons of the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary members. Churches and other non-profit organizations are accessed the same way by town ordinance.

They said while the Legion is doing better financially a sewer bill of more than $550 a month was a big expense. Sleighter pointed out, “About 740 members do not live in the area and many others don’t live here year around. Many are unable to come to the Legion due to health and age issues. There were 62 members at the Legion yesterday. We were wondering if there was anything the town could do to help us out?”

Town attorney Jack Birch said it would take some research to see if ordinances should be changed. “The first duty of the town council is to see it is fairly and adequately maintaining the sewer system for all users. The overall obligations is to the system.” Luce noted the town‘s last rate study was predicated on this income.

Vice President Lisa Stombeck indicated the issue will be looked at and the Legion will be responded to with more information.

Kinsey asked if the issues he brought up last month were being looked into and he was assured they were. Strombeck is going to meet with township officials to see how things at the end of East Washington Street can be coordinated. Police Chief Greg Church said a notice would be sent to the owners of a property on East Washington Street with weeds growing on it.

Kinsey also asked if Jon Sroufe would be replaced on the council due to his ill health. Would his position be on the ballot this election? It was noted his term would be up at the end of December 2019. A caucus of his political party would determine who would fill the position if he resigned before then. David Waliczek, Strombeck and Luce all ran at the same time and were all unopposed.

The budget for 2019 was officially approved by council. The total is $1,567,909 with an adopted tax levy of $430,642 at the tax rate of 0.7847.

Funds were approved for a new police vehicle during the police report. Specifics had been discussed at a previous meeting. Trick or treat hours for the town of North Webster were set at the request of Church. They will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. There were 337 calls of service for August.

Utilties Manager Mike Noe reported 75 controllers have been received and installed for the sewer system. Brush pickup continues as needed depending on the weather. The park board commented quotes are still being sought for new roofs for the restaurant and storage-restroom buildings.

The next meeting of the council will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, North Webster Community Center.