By Deb Patterson
Staff Writer

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Town Council killed the possibility of Tippecanoe Township becoming a fire territory Wednesday night, March 17. The final public hearing on the formation was followed by public meetings of both entities after a presentation and comments from the boards and public.

The final hearing lasted over two hours, with numerous comments being heard from the parties involved and taxpayers. The meetings of the two boards lasted less than 15 minutes.

Both the Tippecanoe Township Advisory Board and the North Webster Town Council needed to vote in favor of forming a fire territory in order for a petition to be filed with the state department of local government finance to establish such a territory.

The township board voted 2-1 in favor, with Jim Rhodes voting against the resolution for the formation. Rhodes also voted against forming an interlocal agreement with the town.

Following the township vote, the town council opened its public meeting. Lisa Strombeck, town council president, made the motion to form the territory. Board members Dave Waliczek and Dan Thystrup looked at each other to see who might second the motion. Thystrup stated he would not make the motion and Waliczek remained quiet. The motion died due to a lack of a second and their meeting was closed.

A full account of the meeting will be posted on Thursday.