By SYDNEY KENT

The town of Ossian unanimously approved a motion to adopt section two of the Crosswinds Lakes Addition Monday evening. The motion — brought to the council by Executive Director of the Wells County Area Plan Commission Mike Lauzenheiser — will allow the development of new lots.

Council President Josh Barkley signing the blueprint for section two of the Crosswinds Lakes housing addition. (Photo by Sydney Kent)

Additionally, Jim Breckler with Engineering Resources congratulated the town on a recent INDOT award in the amount of $651,096.25. The funds, which are for the reconstruction of Melching Court and Millside Court, were applied for in July and approved earlier this month.

Breckler explained the history of the two streets, which demonstrated the need for the project, and advised the streets would soon be asphalt with a concrete curb and gutter. The total cost submitted for the two streets was $128,000. Breckler said there is an expected bid date of Feb. 15 for the project.

Breckler also stated that 75 percent of eligible costs would be paid for by INDOT, with the town responsible for the remaining 25 percent.

The council also discussed openings in town committees, such as the Ossian Board of Police Commissioners. The town is accepting letters of interest for all committees and boards until noon on Dec. 11.

In other business the council approved:

• The 2024 Holiday calendar that added Good Friday and Veterans Day as official holidays, which was in line with neighboring municipalities.

• A motion to increase the pay of all city employees by 3 percent in order to account for the cost of living.

• A request from the Ossian Fire Department to purchase up to three sets of turnout gear, the protective clothing worn by Firefighters, in the amount of $12,014.01.

• A motion to enroll six officers in an online street survival seminar for $1,000.

• A motion to sign a contract with Dickey’s Car Wash in Bluffton for the four regular police cars in use.

• A motion to continue the tradition of giving a gift of ham or turkey to town employees during the month of December.

The next monthly scheduled board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Dec. 11.

sydney@news-banner.com