Drainage problems addressed at Sunman meeting
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Kunkel Excavating will clear stumps and brush on one-quarter mile of Hogan Creek on the south side of Sunman. Their quote of $5,200 was approved by the Sunman Town Council at their March 17 meeting. This should help some of the drainage problems. An additional $1,600 would be charged if property owners would like to address their creek crossings. Property owners would be responsible for the cost of any materials.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management will allow work through April 15, but if not completed, the project will have to wait until September so as not to disturb wildlife.

The Ripley County Planning and Zoning hearing for the zone change for the Hiltenbeitel property has been set for April 5, at 7:00 p.m. The developer is asking for an Industrial-1 designation. The Council prefers an Industrial-2 zone and will make that known at the hearing. Citizen Ruth Riehle is concerned about changing the property from Agriculture-2 to Industrial. She felt the Industrial designation would allow too many industries with industrial waste and pollution.

Marshal Mark Denny is putting together a Standard Operating Procedure Manual for his department. He has also established a chain of command for the department. Council member John Campbell suggested more tickets be written for cars sitting on Highway 101.

Council members agreed to adopt a resolution certifying there's no cap on a 1997 tax abatement granted to Seasongood Industries. Council will allow the newer equipment under the existing abatement to finish out the ten years.

In other business:

· The distribution from the Sunman Quality of Life Fund with the Ripley County Community Foundation will be $591.65. The funds will be applied to the Sunman Museum.

· Council approved a quote from Weideman's to relocate and replace the water heater and relocate the furnace in the Campbell Building. The cost will be $3,273. The money will be taken from the Park Fund.

· Council received a check from the Solid Waste District in the amount of $1,155. The money will be used to help furnish the museum.

· Lykins Contracting will repair the sewer line on Highway 101 as soon as time allows. It needs to be completed before the Indiana Department of Transportation begins resurfacing in April or May.

· Eric Sargent, owner of Trees Mobile Home Park, is willing to repair his eleven manholes.

Council member John Campbell was congratulated on being named Citizen of the Year by the Sunman Area Chamber of Commerce.

All three board members attended the meeting: Wayne Jenner, John Campbell and Mike Wolffe. Also present to advise the board were Attorney Jack Kellerman and Clerk-Treasurer Kris Schneider.

The next meeting of the Sunman Town Board will be April 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the new Sunman Town Hall.