These are the emergency access gates installed by the town of North Webster at the end of East Washington Street at Webster Lake. Permit holders have keys to unlock the gates for commercial installation of piers and boat lifts as does Webster Lake Conservation Association to launch fireworks rafts. When not in use, gates must be kept locked at all times to assure access for emergency vehicles and boats.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Town Council passed the emergency access ordinance amendment dealing with the town controlled Webster Lake right of way at the end of East Washington Street at its monthly meeting Tuesday, May 21. It took place at North Webster Community Center.

Resident Daniel Neff approached the board about the possibility of creating another town park along the Tippecanoe River through the donation of property he owns.

The East Washington Street location is access for the police, fire and emergency medical service personnel to get to the lake. Whether it is for filling a tanker full of water to fight a fire or launching the rescue boat, public safety activities have first priority.

The amendment outlines a system of permits for commercial businesses involved in pier and boat lift installation for a fee. Access is through keys to the locked gates at the end of the street. Non-profit organizations, at this time only Webster Lake Conservation Association, have a permit to launch firework rafts there for the annual display off Kline Island. This year it will be Saturday, July 6.

Police Chief Greg Church noted, “A couple of commercial businesses have not relocked the gate after they got out on the lake. This has to be done to prevent blocking the access. Lock it when you go out on the water and unlock and relock when returning.”

In his presentation to the council Neff explained he had a little more than one acre of property off Dixie Drive on the Tippecanoe River he would like to set up a foundation to oversee as a park but the town would own. The property is the former location of the North Webster American Legion.

He is in the exploratory phase of talking with the Kosciusko County Area Planning Department. He mentioned several possibilities for the land including public access for canoes and kayaks to Tippecanoe River, fishing access and possibly a pavilion, restrooms and a skate path or park. The foundation board would oversee the operation and cost of the park. Town Council President Lisa Strombeck mentioned several people had talked to her about having a dog park.

Utilities Manager Jayne Alger reported working as a team the utilities department has earned state awards in safety and compliance and will be accepting these at a conference in Fort Wayne.

Station B is working and street sweeping is ongoing. Due to the rain, the drain filters have not been put in but will be soon. All personnel but one have been trained in CPR and first aid.

Aaron Dixion has resigned effective May 17 and Andrew Kuhn has rejoined the department as of May 13.

Alger is still getting bids to compare prices on a used leaf vacuum and street sweeper and will bring them back to council. Due to the weather, Roberts Farms will be using less sludge on its fields and another way to dispose of it may be needed. She will also seek an estimate on the control panels.

Police Chief Church informed council the Cutie Parade will have a slight change of route due to the construction of the new library. The parade will originate in the North Webster Church of God parking lot, go down Main Street as usual and return to the parking lot via Morton Street.

The police department has sent out more than 20 notices regarding overgrown lawns and junk cars and 14 have not yet complied with the instructions. He and Jack Birch, town attorney, will follow up.