From left, Sidney Town Council Member Rebecca Adams, Clerk-Treasurer Lisa Parrett and Council President Gavin Parrett are shown at the Sidney Town Council meeting on Monday, May 12. InkFreeNews photo by Elizabeth Hershberger.

By Elizabeth Hershberger
InkFreeNews

SIDNEY — The town council in Sidney had a discussion with Sidney business owners about visibility problems due to parking at the intersection of Center Street and SR 13.

At the Sidney Town Council meeting on Monday, May 12, Joe Calhoun remarked that the intersection is quite dangerous because there is no visibility for drivers if cars are parked around the intersection. The council members agreed.

Sidney Town Council President Gavin Parrett noted that the Indiana Department of Transportation has said a few parking stalls can be marked as no parking, since “due to an old law or ordinance,” the area is already dedicated as a no parking area. When a concerned business owner brought up unloading merchandise from the parking spots, the council agreed to contact INDOT about options for 20-minute parking signs instead.

“You’ve gotta live with what you got,” said Calhoun of the parking situation. Other concerns raised were the speed of motorists through town and the possibility of warning signs declaring fines for semi-trucks using engine brakes.

In other business, the council:

• Has requested an update from the State of Indiana about the sidewalks along SR 13, so sidewalk repairs will have to wait. The council hopes to receive a grant and replace all the sidewalks in town in the same building project.
• Approved a $3,500 demolition quote from Tim Moyer. South Whitley Excavating will demolish the house at the Harney property.
• Heard there are currently no grants available for new traffic signs, but the council will be notified when they become available.
• Is still waiting to hear back from Duke Energy about whether the veteran flags can be hung from their poles for Tom Davis’ veteran recognition program.
• Reported some drains that need clearing on SR 13, but have not heard a response back yet.
• Approved the review survey for residents from the Michiana Area Council of Governments.
• Heard from Allie Daugherty of HWC Engineering, who was present to answer any questions about the planning process for the future park and trails. The council plans to move forward with the park proposal, so that an official contract with HWC Engineering can be signed at the June council meeting.
• Agreed to buy a laptop for council meetings from Walmart so that there will be a good warranty and a lower price.

Council Member Sharon Rancourt was absent from the meeting.

The next town council meeting is 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 9, at the Sidney-Jackson Township Fire Station.