By SYDNEY KENT
Baseball parents in Ossian will see an increase in fees next year after a motion passed at the Ossian Town Council meeting on Monday.
The subject was brought to the council’s attention at last month’s meeting by Crystal Chapman, the town manager. Chapman explained that the current fee is $10 per player. She proposed an increase to $40 per child instead to compete with surrounding counties, which range anywhere from $65-$80 per child.
On Monday, Chapman told the council that the league was not in agreement with the proposed increase as it would push the total cost to over $100 per child.
“I wasn’t aware they were charging them (more than $10),” Chapman said. “They’re only giving us $10 (per child).”
The council approved a motion to increase the fee to $35 per child.
Though the Ossian Parks Department has successfully completed the first concert of the summer, no members were present at Monday’s meeting. Council member Stephanie Tucker pointed out that the department has not met in several months.
“I don’t know what’s going on,” Tucker said. “I think it is problematic with events and concerts going on. I think it’s something that may have to be addressed.”
President Josh Barkley asked Tucker to check in with the group.
Ossian Fire Chief Ben Fenstermaker talked to the council about soon-to-be-needed gear for firefighters in order to align with state standards. The council approved a request totaling $168,929.48 for air packs, masks, two RIT bags for emergency purposes and additional needed items.
Ossian Police Commissioner President Caleb Chichester requested additional funding towards the remodel of the Ossian Police Department. The council approved a motion for $3,177.59 for new storage bins in cubicles.
The meeting came to a close with Barkley acknowledging the recent death of a beloved town employee, Sally Bracke.
Bracke served as a devoted deputy clerk-treasurer for 27 years until her retirement in April 2021. However, she continued to lend her expertise, love, and support in a part-time role as needed.
“Obviously she was a very valuable employee,” Barkley said. “But also she personally helped me a lot over the years, and Angie and — just everybody. She will be deeply missed.”
The council also:
• Approved pay application number two to API Construction Resources for work on Melching Court in the amount of $139,533.47.
• Approved payment to API Construction in the amount of $377,611.08 for work on “various streets.”
• Approved a final payment to Ottenweller Construction for work on the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the amount of $32,569.93.
• Approved a utility adjustment for a resident with flooding issues.
• Continued conversation about potentially gifting back approximately two acres of land that was donated and used by OD, Inc.
Prior to the meeting, a public hearing was held for the approval of additional appropriations, during which no one gave public comment. The following appropriations were approved: $190,000 for MVH unrestricted fund number 2201 as part of the Community Crossings Matching Grant, $150,000 for the riverboat fund, $40,000 for the park access drive at Archbold-Wilson Park, $212,103.75 for the Local Road and Bridges fund as part of work on Melching and Hillside courts, and $1,500 for Parks and Recreation as part of a tourism grant.
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