Revisions sought for cleanup program

By ROD ROWE
THE GOSHEN NEWS

May 14, 2008 11:13 am

— TOPEKA, Ind. — Members of the Topeka Town Council reviewed the town cleanup program that took place last weekend and discussed a policy to use for the event next year.
Council president Yvonne Eash said that while the cleanup was scheduled on Friday and Saturday, “it ends up being a five-day cleanup” because more trash was dumped at the site after the Dumpsters were removed Saturday afternoon.
And board members discussed the fact that items not included in the cleanup — tires and refrigeration equipment — were left on the town property.
Eash suggested the board develop a plan now for next year’s cleanup. She said people from outside the town and even from Michigan may have dropped items in the cleanup.
“We had a lot of out-of-towners,” she said. She explained that at Fort Wayne, participants must show a paid water bill before they may leave trash. She suggested ending the cleanup program at 2 or 3 p.m. on Saturday.
“There was trash everywhere on Mother’s Day weekend,” Eash said. People were sifting though the dumpers over the weekend, before Borden picked the equipment up Monday.
Board member Dallas Martin said he approved the suggestions of ending the cleanup at 3 p.m. and requiring a water bill to ensure participants are from Topeka.
The council asked Town Manager Larry Schrock to develop a plan for the council.
“We’ll figure something out. We’ll come up with a plan,” Schrock said.

Storm sewer

In other discussion, Schrock said construction of a storm sewer line and new curbing is planned this summer. He said the storm sewer is planned in the alley near the new library site and Yoder Street, with construction planned in June. The council may review bids for the work at its next meeting.

Habitat homes

Mont Arnold, who represents Habitat for Humanity, told the board he is working with town officials in planning utility services to two lots on Pleasant Street where the organization plans to build homes. He said the county organization hopes to build two homes this year and may use lots 12 and 13 on Pleasant Street.
Monday the council also voted to waive tap-on fees for the utility service to Habitat homes, if they are built.
Arnold thanked the council for the action, even though he did not request it. He went on to explain that the last home Habitat built northwest of Shipshewana had $15,000 in site development expense.

Fire charges

In other action, the Topeka council approved a new list of charges for the fire department’s services. The charges are for the fire apparatus that is actually used at a fire scene, explained Chief Stuart Bender.
Town attorney Bill Eberhard said the fee schedule will go into effect in 10 days.

Other matters

Town employee Ron Eash asked if he could obtain price quotes for line-painting on town streets. The council approved that action.
County councilman Jack Price told town officials he will attend a meeting today in South Bend to learn details of House Bill 1001, the all-encompassing property tax bill passed in this year’s legislature. He said he will report back to local officials after he learns more about the 680-page bill.
Ordinance administrator Jason Boggs reported he had 45 cases in April and cleared 43 of them. In Topeka, he said, had 10 new ones and 10 cleared ones. He said he worked with one manufacturing business on a cleanup.
The board will meet next on May 28, as that Monday is Memorial Day.