New Bids Needed for Street Department Pole Barn

Adam Sheck and Kevin Simonson led the council meeting in the pledge of allegiance.

Photo by Linda Karn

(posted June 8)

The design build project to construct a new street department pole barn did not work out. Town Manager Barbara Lawrence reported to the council at its June 9 meeting that the project is back to "square one." Only one person submitted a bid that came in three times over the estimated amount of $200,000. She said the project will now go through the regular bidding process.

The council approved Lawrence's recommendation to install a 4-way stop at Gerrard Avenue and 21st Street. Councilor Jeff Hartman said he favored the four-way stop because of the children in the area, but that inconsistent stop signs in the area can cause confusion for motorists. He said a two-way stop exists at 20th and Gerrard Avenue. Lawrence suggested a macro look of the traffic signs to create better consistency for motorists.

The council also approved a temporary loan from the water fund of $415,000 to cover the debt service fund. Clerk Treasurer Sharon Zishka said the 2007 tax distributions will not come until August and she doesn't expect the 2008 distributions to arrive until November or December. Zishka contends the town may no longer be able to do intra-fund borrowing to meet its debt obligations before the end of the year. She said the state's distribution of excise and financial institution monies are not sufficient to operate the town.

Redevelopment Executive Director Scott Harris said the Urban Land Institute preliminary discussion called for retaining some historic Main Street structures. The group also suggested activities zones of a museum, entertainment and restaurants. Other areas would be designated for racing and education. He said the ULI called the infrastructure improvements critical and the "area is a lost opportunity as it exists today."

He said more purchasing power exists about three to four miles outside the area than previously thought. The intersection of I-74, I-465 and High School Road is more attractive from traffic view, purchasing power, and demographics than the intersection at the Marion County Line and I-65 on the south side.

American Structurepoint has prepared two final design concepts for the linear park. Although public input has not been sought as of date, Harris indicated that public input would be involved later. The DPW will close Georgetown Road for two weeks in August to conduct a neighborhood impact study. He said it should not interfere with the design time line.

The Speedway Police Department, along with other departments and city agencies conducted a safety and drug sweep at International Village. Two arrests were made for possession of marijuana and one warrant arrest. Marion County Health Department officials assisted with citing 119 violations. Building 19 had raw sewage problems. Zoning violations were filed over improper parking, dumpsters, and signs. No permits have been filed for signs. The building inspector and fire marshal found 260 violations that include five emergency orders. Violations included open boxes with live wires exposed and balconies not able to support the load. Sixteen vehicles were tagged for improper tags or in inoperable condition.

Chief Jeff Dine also announced the department received a narcotics/patrol dog with officer Mike Hart being selected as the handler. Dine said a second dog has also been selected in case the first dog does not work out.

Steve Hurst of the Water Works Department said the water in the 16th Street tower will be drained Friday so it can be inspected for corrosion. He did not expect a fluctuation in water pressure.

Street Department Commissioner Wendell Walters asked people to keep the drains clear and not blow grass down the storm sewers because it creates a back up during the heavy rains. The storms have also created challenges for the waste water treatment plant. Waste Water Superintendent Norm Berry said at one point 95 million gallons of water hit the system in one ten minute interval. The intake system is only capable of processing 12 million gallons while the secondary system has a nine million gallon capacity. Eighty three million diluted untreated gallons went into the combine sewer overflow, eventually discharging into Eagle Creek.