Scott Kuhn, representing the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce, spoke to the North Webster Town Council to request reimbursement for 20 self-watering planters purchased by the chamber. InkFreeNews photo by Keith Knepp.

By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Town Council met in its regular monthly session Tuesday night at the North Webster Community Center.

In department reports, Mike Noe reported through Council President Dan Thystrup that a lift pump recently failed and required replacement at a cost of $4,500. The appropriation was unanimously approved.

Town Marshal Greg Church reported two of the town’s officers, Noah Kiessling and James Curtis, graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy on Saturday.

In the parks report, the council was informed that Leann Hubbs has submitted her resignation. Council member Dave Waliczek suggested the board would be OK without replacing her, but that if anyone was interested in the position they should contact any member of the council.

In old business, Thystrup announced he paid the invoice for the USI study regarding the proposed North Webster trail. He also informed the council they were denied the MACOG grant for which they applied. He added they were encouraged to apply again in the next grant cycle.

In new business, Scott Kuhn, representing the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce, requested $8,331 from the council as reimbursement for the chamber’s purchase of 20 self-watering planters that will be placed along Main Street throughout downtown. Waliczek argued against the expenditure, saying he believed the cost to be extreme. Council member Lisa Strombeck expressed her support while Thystrup was undecided. The request was tabled until next month’s meeting.

Ben Hogan, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County, spoke on behalf of the organization. While he did not have a specific request, he wanted to make the council aware of the homes being built in Claypool on land donated to Habitat by the town. He asked that, if a similar situation arose in North Webster in which property became available through the town, a donation of the land to Habitat be considered.

Tippecanoe Township Trustee Chris Francis addressed the council. He said the new well for the fire department will be placed at North Webster Elementary. They are waiting for a stand-alone fire hydrant to be placed at the location for full access to the well, which will eliminate disruption to the school’s water supply.

Francis also said the paving of the roads in North Webster Cemetery has been completed. Some trees have been removed in the cemetery as well.

Finally, Francis noted that the locations for the tornado sirens are still to be determined.

During the open floor portion of the meeting, Rex Hunzinker asked the council what the town was going to do about recycling, since KC Recycling has removed its self-service bins from all locations in the county. An explanation of the recycling center being a county decision ensued, including the reasoning and potential future recycling possibilities.

Emily Shipley, president of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce, concluded the meeting by asking for a new street sign at Dixie and Huntington streets.

The next council meeting will be held Tuesday, May 16, at the North Webster Community Center. The public is invited to attend.