By SYDNEY KENT
Ossian will officially see a new subdivision after the council approved a motion presented by Mike Lautzenheiser Monday evening.
The Area Plan Commission first recommended approval for the three-lot major subdivision for property at Ind. 1 and Wells County Road 850N near Ossian in June.
Lautzenheiser explained the primary change to the plan, noting adjustments to easements to account for utilities and future roadways. Easements will show any parts of the plat area that the city or private companies have the rights to, meaning reserved areas that can be occupied or built on for specified purposes. These types of easements include access to water, power, gas lines, phone, and the internet.
Lautzenheiser noted the subdivision being unique in that there is not a large infrastructure piece needed to complete the work. He confirmed the work on the roadway addressing drainage issues would continue as a separate project from the subdivision.
Dennis Ealing made a motion to accept the secondary plat for the subdivision. The council unanimously approved.
The council also heard a recommendation from its engineering consultant for a contractor to complete the curve ramp upgrades made to several Ossian streets. The upgrades are possible in part due to a large CCMG grant awarded in April.
The grant will cover 75 percent of the cost of the project, with the town responsible for the remaining 25 percent and any ineligible fees. Jim Breckler with Engineering Resources informed the council the grant requires the community to be under contract with a construction company by Aug. 9, placing the deadline before the next council meeting. He recommended designating someone on the council to sign the notice of award should the contractor be approved.
The work will take place on segments of Hickory Lane, Homestead Avenue, Lafever Street, Young Street, and Brook Court in Ossian. The project will consist of pavement milling and resurfacing, curb ramp replacement, sidewalk construction, erosion control, and surface restoration. Breckler recommended API Construction for the bid.
“API is a reputable firm that has done a lot of good work in Ossian,” Breckler added.
Council member Glen Werling made a motion to approve the project to API Construction in the amount of $474,200 and to appoint Josh Barkley as the designated person. The funds from CCMG will cover approximately $349,000 of the cost of the project with the town responsible for the remaining $125,000. The council approved the motion.
The Wells County Trails Committee spoke with the council in an effort to open a dialogue with the town of Ossian in regard to plans for trails. Lautzenheiser suggested hosting community meetings and continuing conversations to see how the committee can assist with connectivity between parks and upcoming sidewalks and trails.
Also at the meeting, the Ossian Police Department announced they have offered two candidates conditional offers for employment. Should they accept, the candidates are anticipated to attend the police academy next Spring. The council also approved a motion for a 2024 Dodge Durango with a V8 engine for approximately $44,000. Of the cost, $35,000 of unused funds, designated for a police vehicle, will be rolled over from the 2023 budget.
Board member Jeff Osborn gave the council updates on behalf of the Ossian Parks Department. Osborn reported the most recent summer concert saw over 300 people in attendance. The fireworks show, hosted by Horizon Events, had over 2,000 people. Osborn said there is a swingset available to be installed in one of the parks, however, many volunteers are needed in order to achieve this. The parks department is also interested in creating several committees to help encourage community participation.
Other items included:
• Approved paying Brooks Construction in the amount of $472,598.64 for work on Woodcreek Drive in Ossian.
• Approved leasing a skid loader in the amount of $76,806.79.
• Approved a motion for a cheaper lease on a 2023 skid loader in the amount of $111,528.67
• Approved paying API in the amount of $23,600 for the repaving of the town hall parking lot.
• Adopted ordinance 23-7-1, effectively implementing the new pay matrix for the Ossian Police Department.
• Adopted resolution 23-7-1, which permitted the transfer of the county D.A.R.E. van to a department with an active D.A.R.E. program.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is set for August 14.
sydney@news-banner.com
