The board members will receive an update on the results of the NWEA test as well as a presentation on the Biomedical Science course addition at the high school.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. CT in the administrative office in the Palmer Wing of the Knox Elementary School.
The Knox City Council this week tentatively approved the first readings of two ordinances, but expressed their intent to revise those ordinances before passing them on their second or third readings. The council first discussed the revised fees ordinance for the Planning Commission that replaced the entirety of the fees laid out previously.
The Knox City Council this week approved the purchase of five lots in Parkview Heights, each of which was up for tax sale in the county but, because it was up for tax sale previously and did not sell, the city was able to purchase the properties for $35 each from the county. The city has acquired more than a dozen properties in the neighborhood, and Mayor Rick Chambers said the city is looking into options as far as what they can do to improve Parkview Heights and make it a safer place to live.
Borg explained that road crews filled the most troublesome areas first and have been out filling others as much as possible. In the meantime, employees have been working to maintain vehicles. Borg noted that some plow components needed to be fixed and others completely replaced and he will be notifying the board on those efforts in a future meeting.
The Knox Board of Public Works did not have a quorum but heard reports from department heads on issues Wednesday morning.
Knox Water Superintendent Todd Gardner said about 50 percent of the frozen pipes reported have been thawed and they’re working on more as the days go by. The first section of pipes to freeze was along Spruce Drive and all but one person has water flowing to the residence.
The Knox City Council this week approved a resolution purchasing five lots in Parkview Heights. City attorney David Matsey said the county has already approved a resolution and this resolution for the city is strongly based on the county’s version.
The properties the city will acquire in Parkview are located at 322 Spruce Street , 424 and 426 Maple Street, and a parcel on Clark Street. The Spruce Street house is actually located on two lots. The parcels will be purchased for a cost of $35 per property, and the city council has expressed interest in using those properties – and other properties in Parkview Heights that the city has acquired over the years – to benefit the city.
The council approved a motion purchasing the lots.
Gappa said that The Crossing is a second chance program to get students involved in school.
JAG students are considered at-risk students who need assistance in completing high school and transitioning to employment or post-secondary education. Continue reading
The Knox City Council this week approved a motion declaring the County Road 300 East reconstruction endeavor as a economic development project to allow the city to pay for an unexpected expense out of the County Economic Development Income Tax Fund. Charles Weaver, executive director of the Starke County Economic Development Commission, approached the council and explained that part of the reconstruction of County Road 300 East from Culver Road to west of the city, a number of fire hydrants will have to be relocated.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa said the board reviewed a memo released by the Department of Education regarding options on how to make up those days.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa said by law the categorization of the school warranted a hearing for public comment.
The Knox City Council will meet in a regular session tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Knox City Hall to discuss a number of items, including the proposed flood plan ordinance, revision of the fees ordinance for the planning commission, and a zoning ordinance amendment, as well as discussion with Neighborhood Development Associates regarding a feasibility study for Parkview Heights.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa said the Jobs for American Graduates organization at the high school boasts over 40 students and it has seen success in its infancy.
“The instructor, Molly Dollahan, and two of the students came in to give a report,” said Gappa. “This is the first year the program has been implemented in Knox. I believe we have 42 high school students as part of the program. It’s in conjunction with Workforce Development and it really helps students prepare for careers and jobs beyond high school. Recently, some of our JAG students participated in a career development conference and they had some different competitions. Two of the students who were at our board meeting talked about the competitions they participated in and some of the first place awards they received.”
Two local school boards will hold meetings tonight to discuss various items.
The Knox Community School Board will hold a public hearing tonight at 6:30 p.m. regarding the Knox Middle School being categorized a priority school. The board will also discuss weather related make-up days and the Crossing Alternative School.
The Knox City Council this week approved a new flood plan ordinance on its first reading as required by FEMA in order for residents to be able to acquire flood insurance. Mayor Rick Chambers explained that the city has been required to update their current plan and the state provided a sample ordinance that could be adapted to suit the city’s needs.
Knox residents are asked to keep their faucets running until further notice. The city has been plagued with frozen pipes and water meters since temperatures plunged. If you still have water, the best way to ensure it continues to flow is to let it run. Even though temperatures are warming up, the ground is still frozen, so pipes are still subject to freezing. City officials say all water bills for the billing cycle that started Jan. 23 will be estimated based on last year’s usage, and customers will not be charged for the extra water they are using. Water bills are due Feb. 15, and anyone with an abnormally high bill due to letting faucets run can ask for an adjustment.
