Town Attorney Tammy Keirn (left), Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast (center), Council President Tom Barker (right) participate in Monday’s meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts.

PIERCETON — The Pierceton Town Council discussed a possible oversized truck ordinance at its meeting, Monday evening, Feb. 10.

The black line perpendicular to US 30 represents Arnolt Drive. The stretch of roadway was referenced regarding problems with over-sized trucks.

Council members, along with Pierceton Police Chief Tim Simmons, discussed looking into an ordinance regarding oversized truck traffic and axel limits in residential areas in the town. Specifically, the council and Sammons referenced issues with oversized traffic on Arnolt Drive, just off of US 30.

According to Sammons, trucks lining up in the industrial/residential area take up space along Arnolt Drive, causing parking issues. During a recent incident, Sammons said he “had the trucks move to the other side of the street,” to temporarily alleviate the issue.

Sammons said he reached out to the businesses along the stretch, including Gills Manufacturing and Shiloh Industries regarding the issue. According to Sammons, the companies claimed the truck drivers are independent entities, to tow the trucks away if they cause a parking issue.

Council president Tom Barker noted the counterproductive nature of the claim. “We’d be towing away something they need,” he said.

Sammons said he will continue researching the issue before submitting a formal proposal to the council. Barker suggested working with the businesses on the ordinance. Barker suggested the businesses establish appointments for unloading of trucks to alleviate congestion.

Other business included:

• Council approved the $7,750 purchase of a new accounting computer program for the office of the clerk-treasurer. The new program will replace an outdated program. Training for the new program is included in the price, according to Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast.
• The council also approved 30 additional work hours for the remainder of the year for Retha Hicks. The town has an open-ended contract with Hicks regarding consulting services for the clerk-treasurer.
• Council approved the Pierceton Park Board’s plan to pursue converting the tennis courts at Pierceton-Washington Township Park into a pickleball court. The conversion will cost $100 for poles and nets. “If it’s in their budget, let them run with it,” said Barker.
• Councilmember Matt Brubaker announced details regarding Pierceton Days. The committee for the festival will meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at the Pierceton Community Building. The theme for this year’s festival will be “The Roaring ‘20s: Then and Now,” said Brubaker.
• The Pierceton Fire Department will hold a community breakfast, 8 – 11 a.m., Mar. 21, in the Pierceton Community Building.