By SYDNEY KENT
Construction will continue in some areas of Ossian as multiple new projects were announced at Monday evening’s council meeting.
Jim Breckler with Engineering Resources was present with a lengthy list of updates, bid results and award recommendations for projects in the town.
Breckler said that bids came in lower than expected for the north collection system improvement project. The project was awarded to Fleming Excavating for $1,322,141.22. The award is pending the finalization of the company’s agreements with respective third parties.
An employee with Baker Tilly, Scott Handler, told the council that the rate ordinance associated with the septic relief project would lower rates. Those with unmetered rates could expect to see costs decrease from $94.24 to $80 per month.
“It’s not often I come somewhere to decrease rates,” Hadler laughed. “It is usually the opposite, but this is good news. It’s a good funding package, and it’s beneficial to the town.”
Breckler also announced an application for the next round of Community Crossings Matching Grants. The funding would go to work on Meadow Lane for roadway and storm sewer improvements. Breckler said the paperwork has been submitted, and the council should hear from INDOT in late March.
Police Commissioner President Caleb Chichester informed the council that the new police vehicle had arrived. The council approved a motion to outfit the new car with needed lights and safety gear for $9,133.85. They also approved payment for an in-car radio system for $5,026.94.
The council approved a motion to send Ossian Police Department’s two newest officers, Sam Oliver and Josh Ware, to the Reid Interview School in August. The cost for the training is estimated at $1,260 for both officers.
Member Dennis Ealing motioned to approve the training; Member Stephanie Tucker voiced slight concern at this. Tucker said she would prefer to wait until officers finish their probationary period to invest.
However, Chichester emphasized the officers would have already completed the police academy and were likely to stay long-term. Additional funds to cover the price increase for furniture as part of the renovation of the police department were also approved.
The council also:
• Approved a tax abatement for Energy Control in Resolution 24-2-1. The agreement grants total abatement for three years and 45 percent abatement in the fourth year.
• Awarded a bid to Wane Asphalt for work on Melching Court and Hillside Court for $748,010.
• Approved pay application number four to Ottenweller’s for $180,575 for work completed in the town.
• Approved an authorization to pay $3,398.78 of a $10,000 contingency budget to Ottenweller’s.
• Approved an agreement to review payrolls to ensure federal standards and wage rates are implemented on SRF projects. The cost for the service is approximately $20,000.
• Approved a motion to pay the increase in furniture costs for the renovation of the Ossian Police Department for $2,056.53.
• Approved a variance request by Mark Boiling for a privacy fence on an easement.
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