By JONATHAN SNYDER
Markle’s Town Council members have expressed its frustration with not being included in conversations about Wells County economic development.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Council President Matthew Doss stressed that Markle’s Town Council has not been contacted for input on the hiring process of a new economic development director, despite previous statements of desiring a unified plan for the county.
Council Vice-President Nicolas Lund noted that Markle is in a unique situation with the town split between Huntington and Wells counties. Because of the split, Markle has traditionally supported an economic development commission for both counties. Lund stated that Chad Kline, the former Wells director, had represented the town well.
Doss also stated he feels that Markle must be a part of Wells County’s initiative in hiring a new economic development director and wants Markle to be a part of the interview process for the role. The council decided that Doss would be proactive in ensuring Markle’s seat at the table.
“It sounds like I’m madder than I actually am,” Doss said. “But there are a lot of extra questions that we are not being keyed in on.”
The council also stated that regardless of what happens with the EDC situation, they should look into all possible opportunities. One avenue mentioned was contracting an independent third party for the Wells County portion of Markle.
Markle also renewed its insurance contract with WalkerHughes. While the contract was approved as presented, the council will be able to look at a revised policy to increase the collision deductible from $1,000 to $2,500. Premium rates will drop if they decide to change the contract.
The council also passed three resolutions, the first of which allows the Markle Plan Commission to add new projects to the Markle Economic Development Plan. The second resolution gives Doss the authority to sign off on any agreements with the Indiana Department of Transportation, specifically Community Crossings Matching Grants, on behalf of the council.
The third resolution is part of an agreement between Markle and multiple other communities in the region to apply for the Indiana Stellar Pathways program. This program allows participating communities to apply for funding and support from Indiana agencies like the Department of Natural Resources.
Additionally, Grant stated that the South Clark Street Bridge will be reconstructed by INDOT in 2025. Because of this, two light poles on that bridge will need to be removed and the electricity disconnected. While seemingly simple, there remains a slight issue in who will be responsible for this — Duke Energy owns the light poles but no longer supports the electricity.
Duke will sell the poles and power to Markle but remove the fixtures at the top. Grant said the company told him it was against their policy to sell the fixtures to the town.
Council member Blake Caley stated that the lights on that bridge are needed for safety reasons, as the bridge is used frequently by Markle citizens. Clerk-Treasurer Stephenie Hensley stated that Grant tried his hardest to keep the fixtures on the poles.
Lastly, Markle will begin advertising bids for solid waste collection and recycling in Markle. Markle’s contract with Republic Services expires in May. Bids will be opened at the council’s next meeting on May 15.
jonathan@news-banner.com
