Pulaski County Council Approves Tax Abatement Renewals, Despite Compliance Concerns

The Pulaski County Council narrowly approved a list of tax abatement renewals Monday, despite concerns about one business’s compliance. FRATCO’s paperwork drew the attention of Council Member Kathi Thompson. She pointed out that while the business was meeting its requirement for the number of employees, the total salaries that were listed fell short of projections.

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Winamac Town Council Retains Clerk-Treasurer as Appointment for Northwest Indiana Solid Waste District

Winamac Town Council members named an appointment for the Northwest Indiana Solid Waste District when they met last Monday.

According to the District’s website, as a result of growing landfills in Indiana, the 1991 State Legislature required each county to develop a plan to address its solid waste issues. Pulaski County officials teamed up with individuals from Benton, Carroll, Jasper, Newton and White Counties to work on a plan together and the district office was formed. Continue reading

Need for More Firefighters Addressed at Winamac Town Council’s Special Session

One of the first matters brought up when the Winamac Town Council held a special meeting with members of the Fire Department on Monday was the need for more firefighters.

Fire Chief Bill Weaver stated there are 16 members on the roster right now but two are inactive. He added that they’re looking at some prospective candidates currently. He explained that they’ve posted about the need for more members but haven’t had much luck getting people interested in serving. Continue reading

Winamac Town Council Revisits Request to Amend Golf Cart Policy

A request to amend the Winamac golf cart policy was revisited by Town Council members when they met Monday night.

Council President Tom Murray noted that when resident Tony Calabrese came before the members during their first meeting in July, they said they would take his recommendation under consideration. Calabrese asked the council to consider adding utility vehicles, such as “Kubotas”, to the vehicles allowed on town roads.

Since they haven’t met since then, President Murray said they should discuss it during the special session to reach a consensus before their next official meeting. Continue reading

Winamac Town Council Approves Plan Commission Appointment

Winamac Town Council members approved an appointment to the Plan Commission when they met this week.

Town officials have been seeking someone to fill the open Democrat seat on the Plan Commission for several months. When town council members met Monday night, Town Manager Brad Zellers shared that someone recently expressed an interest in filling the open position. Continue reading

Winamac Town Council Considers Adding More Reserve Officers to Police Force

First Sergeant Mark Hoffman with the Winamac Police Department submitted a request to add more officers to the Reserve Program during last Monday’s town council meeting.

Sergeant Hoffman explained that a few people who work for the Police Department are looking to switch positions.

“We recently had three jailers express interest in being reserves.” Hoffman went on, “I would like the board’s permission to move forward with them. It will cost the town $100 per person for insurance and probably another $100 [each] to get them outfitted.” Continue reading

Winamac Town Council Approved Truck Purchase for Water Department

The Winamac Water Department will be getting a new truck after town council members approved one of the quotes presented to them during their Monday evening meeting.

Water Department Superintendent Jeremy Beckner presented the quotes. Council President Tom Murray asked for the year of the current vehicle and Beckner answered that it is a 2005. Town Manager Brad Zellers mentioned that it is in the department’s 5-year plan to replace the truck this year. Continue reading

Winamac Town Council Discusses Parking Concerns Downtown

Parking issues at a Winamac establishment were addressed when town council members met last Monday.Councilman Alvin Parish asked about addressing an issue with regular vehicles parking in the spots designated for motorcycles and golf carts at a downtown restaurant on Market Street.

Council President Tom Murray said he believed the police should be ticketing the vehicles but said they are currently unable to do so since there isn’t a specific town ordinance prohibiting the parking. Continue reading

Winamac Town Council Considers Moving Fireworks Display Due to Debris Concerns

The location for the Town of Winamac’s fireworks display was discussed during Monday night’s town council meeting. Town Manager Brad Zellers explained that last year when the event was held at the school, there was an issue with the wind blowing debris onto cars at a neighboring dealership.

Town Council President Tom Murray added that since the school corporation will be conducting paving work this summer, they should have an alternate site planned anyway. He suggested moving the event back over to the big baseball diamond at the town park. Continue reading

Winamac Town Council Approves Vehicle Purchase for Police Department

Winamac Town Marshal Mike Buchanan informed the town council members this week that officers with the Police Department are currently weighing options for a replacement vehicle.

When members met Monday night, Buchanan stated that the vehicle purchase was budgeted for this year. He said in order to move forward with the purchase, they would need the council’s approval.

Buchanan presented members with some different quotes from local dealerships. Council President Tom Murray read the proposed quotes into the record. Continue reading

Community Pool Project Brought Back to Winamac Town Council for Consideration

Winamac Town Council members are being asked once again to consider a community pool after some new information has come to light that could potentially cut down on initial installation costs.

When Winamac Town Council members met Monday evening, Councilwoman Judy Heater initially took a seat in the audience to speak on behalf of the pool committee. Other members of the pool committee as well as Park Board president Courtney Poor and several residents, who are in favor of the project, were in attendance to show their support. Continue reading

Winamac Town Council Approves Fire Department Contracts

Three township fire department contracts were approved during the Winamac Town Council meeting Monday night.

Town Council president Tom Murray asked if the contracts were the same as last year. Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger confirmed that the contracts remained the same with Franklin Township paying $9,283.92 as an annual service fee, Rich Grove Township has a yearly contract fee of $3,664.38 and the contract for Tippecanoe Township lists a $2,174.42 yearly charge. Continue reading