North Webster Officially Welcomes New Clerk-Treasurer
By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews
NORTH WEBSTER — For the first time in nearly two decades, the town of North Webster has a new clerk-treasurer.
Leigh Anne Jessop was officially sworn in by town attorney Jack Birch. Jessop replaced Betsy Luce, who served in the role for 19 years.
In department reports, Mike Noe reported the utilities/street department completed its leaf pickup for the season. He also noted they are ready for this weekend’s forecasted severe weather.
Town Marshal Greg Church informed the council the new police vehicle previously approved for purchase was no longer available. He found another vehicle for $150 more, which the council approved for purchase. Additionally, the council approved 250 hours of overtime in 2023 for the police department.
In new business, Chris Fancil of Live Well Kosciusko made a short presentation announcing a discount program for first responders in North Webster. He distributed cards to Church and Fire Chief Jeremy Likens that would identify their roles in the community and provide them with prearranged discounts at local businesses in the community.
Rick Pharis of Triad Associates presented the council with an engineering services agreement for the 2022 Community Crossings Project. The town has been awarded $545,109.60 in matching grant money to fund roadwork in the community. Triad will provide the necessary services to complete the project, which is estimated to cost $726,812.83.
In other business, the council approved the write-off of $1,207 in uncollected sewage debt. It also approved previously discussed salary ordinances, electronic funds ordinance and INDOT agreements.
Likens also announced the fire department received word they have been upgraded to a level five ISO rating, which potentially can lower residents’ insurance rates. He said when he started in the mid-1990s, the department had a 10 ISO rating, which was the lowest grade on a scale of 1-10. It has been one of his goals to improve that rating, which is reevaluated every 5 years. It has steadily improved through the years, with the level steadily moving throughout the years.
Anyone who wants to check with their insurance company to see if this affects their personal premiums is asked to contact Likens to receive a written verification of the new ISO rating.
Township Trustee Chris Francis made a presentation to the council on behalf of the township and the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory, including updates on the purchase of the theater and house adjacent to the fire station. The plan is to demolish the dilapidated theater and turn the house into living quarters for TTFT personnel while they are on shift.
Francis also announced the new well that has been discussed for the last several months will be placed on the property of the North Webster American Legion. He said there is a dry well already in place at that location, as well as a cement pad for fire trucks. The new well likely will be placed adjacent to the dry well.
North Webster Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Emily Shipley addressed the council during the open floor portion of the meeting. She expressed concern about the loss of businesses in the community and implored the council to take a more proactive role in addressing concerns about the condition of several rental buildings in the town, including potential ordinances governing their condition and needed repairs.