Starke County Commissioners Weighing Beach Options

starke-county-courthouseThe Starke County Commissioners will have some pointed questions for Bass Lake Beach and Campground Manager Richard Callahan and his attorney, David Wallsmith, when they meet tonight. They attend the evening meetings each month and give a management report. During the July 7 commissioners meeting, several residents complained about the conditions at the beach and campground over the Independence Day weekend.

The commissioners asked them to put their concerns in writing so they could be shared with Callahan and Wallsmith. Commissioner Kathy Norem also suggested the commissioners meet in an executive session to discuss their legal options with regard to the management contract. That meeting has not been scheduled yet. Callahan and Wallsmith are first on the agenda for tonight’s 7 p.m. meeting.

The county council is also meeting this evening at 5:30 p.m. Their agenda includes further discussion about the creation of a county park board to oversee management of the beach and campground, Starke County Forest and other county-owned recreational lands. The council will also consider adoption of an amendment to the county inkeeper’s tax ordinance. IU Helthy Starke Hospital President Craig Felty will provide the quarterly capital asset report to the council. Sheriff Oscar Cowen is also requesting an amendment to the police pension plan.