Knox Council Approves Two Ordinances on First Reading
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.
City of Knox Accepting 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Applications
Lift Station Project in Knox Delayed
Knox Mayor Rick Chambers stated that the new pumps are operational but there are a few issues that are being addressed.
Parking Restricted During Snow Emergencies
As the snow continues to fall on the Kankakee Valley, a number of municipalities have declared snow emergencies and put into place parking restrictions to help facilitate the clearing of snow. Until noon ET on Friday, the town of Winamac has restricted parking, allowing parking only on odd-numbered streets in order to give snow removal crews the room they need to work.
Knox Council to Join KIRPC in Seeking Brownfield Grant
The Knox City Council this week approved a motion to join the Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission in applying for a Brownfield grant. KIRPC requested the city join them in applying at no cost to the city, and with no effect on the city’s grant pool.
Knox City Council Authorizes New Sgt. Position for Police Department
Families and Addiction Seminar Planned for Starke County Residents
Volunteers Needed to Serve on City Committees
Volunteers are needed to help with the Knox Harvest Festival and the Knox Fireworks Committees. The city is looking to bring back the Harvest Festival after a one-year hiatus and needs dedicated people to help make the festival as successful as it has been the past several years.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Raised, But That Doesn’t Help Knox Fireman
A volunteer fireman for the city of Knox who was injured on the job is still out of luck regarding his workers’ compensation. Wayne Noah was injured while investigating a fire when a change in pressure forced him off of the house floor and onto the ground, twisting an ankle and preventing him from working his full-time job. The fireman is employed at a factory and was unable to work due to his injury.
Knox City Council to Meet Tonight
The Knox City Council will meet for their regularly scheduled meeting this evening at the Knox City Hall to discuss a number of agenda items, including further discussion of the insurance compensation for an injured volunteer fireman.
The fireman, Wayne Noah, was injured while investigating a fire when a change in pressure forced him off of the house floor and onto the ground, twisting an ankle and preventing him from working his full-time job. The fireman is employed at a factory and has since been unable to work due to his injury. The problem is, the city’s insurance will only pay $300 a week to reimburse him for employment benefits, but Chambers said the employee makes significantly more than that at his full-time job, where he has been unable to work for several weeks.
The council will also elect their president for 2014 and appoint department heads, as well as discuss a fire contract for Center and Jackson townships.
Dispose of Christmas Trees During Brush Pick-Up Days in Knox
Anyone who wishes to dispose of their natural Christmas tree may do so by putting it at the curb where they would normally put any brush in the summer months. Please be sure all ornaments and tinsel are removed.
You can also dispose of your tree in the city’s compost drop-off pile located behind City Hall. The garbage contractors will not pick up disposed natural Christmas trees.
Knox Council Discusses Ideas for Park
The Knox City Council this week discussed a number of options to bring more money into the park department. Ray Stephenson with the park board told the council that they are considering charging a fee for children to use the fields for practices or games, and said a $5 charge per child would go a long way in funding some of the park’s maintenance.
Knox City Council Discusses Medic Calls for Fire Dept.
The Knox City Council this week learned an unexpected statistic from Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Kenny Pfost, who explained that one-third of his department’s calls are for medical purposes. While that is not necessarily a bad thing, it is inconvenient for the fire department because they receive no reimbursement for medical calls, but must pay $10 to each firefighter that responds to the call.
Knox Council Increases Income Protection Benefit
The Knox City Council this week passed a motion increasing the city’s income protection insurance benefit from $300 per week to $1000 per week. The discussion originated from a fireman who was injured while investigating a fire, preventing him from working his full-time job.
Knox Council to Discuss Possible Increase in Insurance Coverage Tomorrow
Knox Council Considering Increasing Insurance Coverage
The Knox City Council this week heard an update from Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston and Mayor Rick Chambers regarding insurance benefits for an injured fireman. Chambers said the fireman, Wayne Noah, was injured while investigating a fire when a change in pressure forced him off of the house floor and onto the ground, twisting an ankle and preventing him from working his full-time job.
Knox City Council to Meet Tonight
The Knox City Council meets today for a regular meeting at 7 p.m. at Knox City Hall with a light agenda that includes only one item for discussion: insurance benefits for a fireman who was injured on the job. Mayor Rick Chambers said the fireman was injured while investigating a fire when he tripped and fell over some debris, twisting an ankle and preventing him from working his full-time job.
Knox City Council Discusses Equipment Purchase
The Knox City Council received information on the possible purchase of a machine to help better clear the snow from the downtown area.
Mayor Rick Chambers explained to the council that it would be easier if a little John Deere tractor with a cab and heater be used to clear the snow on the sidewalks downtown. Chambers said the Knox Community School Corporation utilizes similar equipment and it works efficiently.
City of Knox to Refund $200 BZA Fee
The city of Knox will be refunded a $200 fee from the Board of Zoning Appeals for Gary Dulin after the city council this week approved the refund due to a city ordinance that had been overlooked before the fee was charged. Mayor Rick Chambers told the council that Plan Commissioner Bruce Williams had been working with Dulin on Water Street regarding a request from Dulin to keep horses on his land, and charged a $200 BZA fee in order for the matter to be reviewed.
