Syracuse Town Council Tables Approval Of KEDCO Service Agreement – ​​InkFreeNews.com

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Dawn Wilkinson, operations manager for Kosciusko Economic Development Corp., came before the Syracuse Town council, during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night to request the town sign the services agreement and provide an update.

KEDCO has worked with been working on the South Shore and Rabbit Ridge projects, the 1350 corridor and a possible development project west of town.

Councilman Larry Siegel asked for details about the project west of town. Wilkinson said discussions were very preliminary, “notes on a napkin,” was how she described it.

The services agreement is for $17,500.

Council President Nathan Scherer expressed some concern that KEDCO does not currently have an executive director. The council was told a public announcement regarding the position is expected to be made within the next 30 days.

After the motion was made and seconded, there was discussion from the council.

“I probably have the most interface here at KEDCO,” Siegel said. “Everything we’ve done has been made harder because of KEDCO interfering and us having to reverse things… You’d be shocked at the things that had to be undone.”

“Given the departure of our CEO, our board has become much more involved and KEDCO will be board driven,” Wilkinson said.

Siegel asked if anyone from Syracuse was on KEDCO’s board. Wilkinson said Ryan Zimmerman from PolyWood and Kim Cates both represented the area. Siegel noted neither lived in Syracuse and that KEDCO should have representation on its board from someone who lived within the town limits of Syracuse.

The motion was tabled until KEDCO announces its new CEO.

Jeff Beer from Beer and Slabaugh asked for a price to pave an alley off of North Shore Drive for the town’s specifications. Doug Schrock would be covering the cost.

Councilman Paul Stoelting asked what benefit it would be to the town. Mark Aurich, public works superintendent, said “The town has no use for an alley.”

Slabaugh was thanked for his time and the matter was dropped.

The council approved sending a letter of support for Rabbit Ridge to the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals.

In the Commonwealth Engineering report, it was noted work is progressing on the North Water Tower rehab and painting. The Oakwood Force Main work is progressing well and the Kern Road sanitation sewer extension plan should be ready to present next month.

The council approved $63,900 for the annual paving and construction contract.

In department reports, David Wilkinson, town manager, asked if the town wanted to adjust its garbage collection contract. He is currently working on RFPs as the contract is up in July.

It was suggested recycling should be once a week rather than every two weeks.

Siegel also complained about the current trash collector missing picking up trash, not picking up large items once a week or picking up recycling.

The council was informed an outside vendor would like to offer insurance covering water leaks. The town would receive 10% of the revenue generated.

Regarding the designated outdoor recreation area, several businesses have shown interest.

In the police report, Chief Jim Layne, reported the new officer will start within the next 2-3 weeks.

There was discussion on how to attract and retain officers. Part of the discussion revolved around take-home cars.

The council asked for more information regarding liability regarding having a passenger in a take-home police car.

In the park report, Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported Arbor Day is April 26. Scherer as council president signed the annual proclamation. There will be a tree planting at Schrock Field with area third graders and others.

Touch-A-Truck will be held from 10 am to 12:30 pm May 4 at the Syracuse Community Center.

Installation of the new roof is coming along at the community center.

Aurich reported engineering on the Kern Road sewer project is due to start. Work on the water tower is weather dependent.

The water leak toward the tech park will have to wait until the ground dries out a bit. Aurich said he has an idea where it is, but right now it’s too wet to be sure. The leak is slow and it may be July before it can be addressed.

The town’s Insurance Services Office rating should be updated by the end of May. The town is rated a 4 ranking it in the highest 15% in the state. A class 1 ISO ranking represents the best public protection.