Council members Bill Musser and Cindy Kaiser, left, chat with Jeremy Hardy of Commonwealth Engineering and Town Manager David Wilkinson prior to the council’s regular meeting Tuesday night. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Town Council tackled a full agenda during its regular meeting Tuesday night, May 20.

After some discussion, the matter of an easement for Medusa Court and redistricting for the council will be addressed in a special council meeting.

A public hearing on an Office of Community and Rural Affairs Community Development Block Grant for a waste water/drinking water project was held with no public comment. A representative from Michiana Council of Governments gave a brief explanation of the project, which will replace aging water mains and pipes and remove lead goose necks. Final presentation for the grant is June 20 and the maximum grant amount is $700,000.

Christopher Harrison, Commonwealth Engineering, the town’s engineering firm, encouraged those who may be shy about speaking publicly to write a letter. The council also adopted a resolution authorizing submission and local match commitment for the grant

A brief public hearing was held regarding the North Trace RV Park. Jeff Dyson asked if the property was contiguous to the town. Nathan Scherer, council president, said it was.

The council quickly approved ordinances establishing requirements for electronic signature, annexation of the North Race RV Park and surrounding properties and approving the Rabbit Ridge target area designation. The council also approved a fiscal policy resolution for annexing contiguous territory in town. The fiscal policy states town utilities can handle the additional properties.

The final ordinance approved for the night was a naming the street to the Rabbit Ridge development “Doctor Clark Road” in honor of Doctor Clark, who served the Syracuse community for many years.

In the Commonwealth Engineering report, Robyn Matthews, reported Phend and Brown won the bid for the Community Crossing Grant for street paving in town. She provided the forms the town needed to sign for the grant.

Jeremy Hardy, Commonwealth Engineering, reviewed the wastewater/drinking water project in more depth as to what needs to be accomplished so the project can start immediately when the grant is awarded. The town approved $474,740 in design work, which will be started in August.

In department reports, Police Chief Jim Layne reported Jacob Bolen has graduated from the police academy and is now on patrol. He has met with Emily Worrell, communications director for Wawasee Community Schools. The two are working on a COPS grant to provide equipment for both the schools and police department.

Car No. 6 was damaged on a recent call when a lady accidentally backed into it. Layne is in the process of getting quotes for repairs. Car No. 8, the Durango, has blown an engine. A replacement would cost $11,800; however, Layne advised against a replacement engine. He requested the department purchase a non-pursuit Chevy Tahoe to replace the Durango. The replacement vehicle may require an additional appropriation as its cost will wipe out Layne’s equipment budget. The council approved the new vehicle for $51,550.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported the Artisan and Farmers Market opened Saturday, May 17, and was very well attended by the public. The first youth league tournament was held at Schrock Field and was successful. There are two more tournaments scheduled in June and one in July.

Fire Chief Mickey Scott told the council the water project will be a big help in fire protection. He asked there be no dead end lines.