Joe Cazier, left, Turkey Creek Township trustee, goes over some of the information he’s gathered through the State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database. He’s trying to locate and refurbish some of the historic cemeteries in the township. One cemetery he found had its first burial in 1840.
Listening to Cazier’s report is Matt Dunithan, center, president of the advisory board, and John Heckman, board member. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE —  Turkey Creek Township Trustee Joe Cazier informed the township advisory board he is still researching some of the old cemeteries in the township that need refurbishment. The Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board held its regular meeting Monday night, Feb. 10, in the Syracuse Town Hall.

Cazier told the board he is working with the Indiana State Historic Architectural and Archaelogical Research Database, which allows users to search for information on known historic resources throughout the state. Cazier reported one cemetery in the township had its first burial in 1840 and its last burial in 1899.

Cazier noted the township’s accounts are earning 3.75% in interest. He’s asked the bank for an assessment and may see if he can find a higher interest rate.

The trustee’s office will be moving into the fire department’s annex building, located on the northside of Station I. Desks have been moved in and computers will be installed next week. Cazier noted the deck off the emergency exit is not safe. He’s going to look for funding in his budget to remove the deck which is just rotten.

Cazier told the board when the new ambulance comes, he wants to “get the most bang for the buck’ on the old ambulance by having closed bids. “Used fire equipment is premium right now,” said Matt Dunithan, advisory board president.

The advisory board approved the fire territory spending $30,000 on seven sets of turn out gear. Also approved were the fire department’s promotion guidelines and disciplinary procedures. Battalion Chief Quinn Hunter asked Steve Snyder, township attorney, if the fire department needs to come before the township advisory board if changes are made to the guidelines and policies. Snyder explained if substantial changes are made, then yes, they need to be brought before the board.

Dunithan asked about appointing someone to represent the township to the Turkey Creek Sewer District Board. Snyder said he would call the sewer district’s attorney to see if the advisory board had an obligation to have a board member on the sewer district board.

Kim Blaha, executive director of the Syracuse Public Library, attended the meeting. The township needs to appoint someone to the library board of trustees. Blaha explained her board approves the budget, financials and any policies. Snyder informed Dunithan the board must appoint someone to the library board. Dunithan asked if Blaha could wait until March as he just received information on two people interested in serving. She agreed to wait.