Jenny Foglesong, professional engineer with Jones Petrie Rafinski, discusses a master utility study with Pierceton’s town council during a Monday, Aug. 11, council meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Adkins.

By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

PIERCETON — The Pierceton Town Council approved a master utility study for its stormwater, wastewater, and water systems during a Monday, Aug. 11, council meeting.

Jones Petrie Rafinski, an architectural and engineering consulting firm, prepared the study, presenting it to council in a public hearing prior to the council’s regular meeting. The funds for the study’s completion were secured through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ Community Development Block grant program.

Work needing to be completed for Pierceton’s stormwater, wastewater, and water systems has been broken down into immediate, short-term, and long-term goals.

For stormwater, Jackson Barnes with JPR said the town received over 50 community responses about flooding during storm events. Streets noted with issues presented by residents include Elm, Seventh, Catholic, 10th, Market, Columbia and First. Aside from streets, some residents have reported standing water in their yards or basements after storm events occur.

JPR’s report states improvements to the stormwater system are needed due to undersized or deteriorated storm sewer pipes in key corridors, as well as the infrastructure not meeting modern standards. Improvements would occur in three phases involving the Deeds Creek watershed, costing $3.74 million; Fluke Hansen Ditch watershed at $2.59 million; and the Pierceton Lake inlet at $1.68 million.

With wastewater, it was noted the town’s pipes are in generally good shape despite their age. JPR’s study said the pump station at Third and Tower Streets needs several updates, having been constructed in the late 1950s. Improvements to the system are recommended for efficiency and operational safety, and to handle wet weather flows.

Estimated costs to improvements for the town’s wastewater system, which includes its treatment plant, would be $1.68 million for immediate actions; $2.62 million for short-term work; and $2.62 million for long-term work.

For water, JPR noted the town’s water system is adequate for Pierceton’s current needs, but that the system’s age is the most significant concern. Proposed work includes replacing bad hydrants, shutting off access to unauthorized users, upgrading outdated pipes in the downtown and areas with low pressure, and expanding water service to Regency Pointe Estates. Replacing the town’s water tower was also listed as a long-term goal.

Estimated costs to improvements for the town’s water system would be $7.11 million for immediate actions; $14.66 million for short-term work; and $9.56 million for long-term work. These costs also include work at the town’s water filtration plant.

Olivia Nix, community development planner with the Michiana Area Council of Governments, said JPR’s study is a document that will help the town secure funding for these projects.

Following JPR’s presentation, the town approved the master utility study through a resolution.

Police Department Update

In the council’s regular meeting, Town Marshal Jim Bumbaugh gave several updates on the Pierceton Police Department. Dustin Baker will begin working as the town’s newest deputy marshal on Aug. 18 and will be officially sworn in at the council’s September meeting.

Bumbaugh also clarified some misconceptions about PPD pertaining to special details the department completes, and alleged lack of coverage by the department.

“As far as special details, like bank detail, Pierceton Woods Academy, Nipsco, any other function where police officers are hired outside of their normal details, the Town of Pierceton absolutely does not pay for those,” said Bumbaugh. “Taxpayers aren’t funding those details. Double-dipping is a crime, and we’re not doing that.”

With police coverage, Bumbaugh said the town has two full-time police officers and would need a minimum of five officers to have 24/7 coverage. He encouraged anyone in the community with concerns about patrols within Pierceton to contact him.

“To insinuate that the police department is non-existent, I take offense to that,” said Bumbaugh. “I think we have better coverage now than we ever have.”

Golf Carts

Both Bumbaugh and Town Superintendent Casey Boggs asked the council questions regarding golf carts in town limits. Bumbaugh asked about the creation of a registration process for golf carts through the clerk’s office. He and Council President Glenn Hall noted issues with unlicensed and/or young drivers operating golf carts.

Council said they would study the issue further.

Boggs said there’s been problems with people driving golf carts through Pierceton-Washington Township Park. He asked for permission to post two signs at the park that state golf carts are not allowed. Council approved this.

With the park, Boggs said striping work at the tennis and pickleball courts is complete, and that the basketball court should be finished this week. Hall said he was looking into a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the recent park work.

The council also noted Deputy Clerk Kelly Engle is leaving and that someone has been hired but cannot be publicly announced at this time. Council approved keeping Engle on part-time through the end of 2025 to assist with training the new employee.

Council’s next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at the Pierceton Community Building. Pierceton’s 18th Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, in Brower Park.