Town of Sunman asks for $300,000 grant
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

The Sunman Town Board meeting opened with a public hearing for the Office of Rural Affairs Grant. Susan Craig from Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning facilitated the hearing. The town is asking for $300,000 for the Community Center/Town Hall project. They have also applied to the Rising Sun Regional Foundation for a grant and can get a loan from FCN Bank for the remaining funds. The income surveys needed to be completed by the end of August. Submission is September 2.

Next, the public hearing for the 2006 budget was held. Clerk-Treasurer Kris Schneider stated the budget was completed and a meeting with the Department of Government Finance has been held. She noted the Net Assessed Valuation is $36,714,500 and the total budget is $399,329. The final budget hearing will be at the September 15 meeting.

Utility Superintendent Carl Bruns reported that Raintree Drainage Project is complete and grass is coming up. The overall project went well. Council noted the majority of the project was financed by a generous grant from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation and thanked them for their generosity.

Bruns said the televising of the sewer lines is going well, but it is a slow process. Gravel in the lines shows the town has major infiltration problems. Ludwig Electric is diligently working on restoring all the existing lighting at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. A quote of $7,340 from Ortman was accepted for the stainless steel pitless adapter for the well field.

Terry Knueven, Wastewater Manager, reported the transducer at the main lift station is not working and things have to be turned on manually. He recommends the job be given to Tech-Line for $1,400 plus related costs. Council agreed.

Town employee, George Hartmen, would like to trade in the flatbed trailer and purchase a smaller one that is better suited to hauling the mower. He has been given a trade-in value of $800. An additional $350 would be needed to purchase the desired trailer. He would also like to purchase a drill press and vice unit for $350. Council agreed to both purchases.

In other business: Council agreed to close Doesprings for a block party on September 17.

Rumpke will be passing along an Ohio mandated disposal of $49.56. This is not an increase in Rumpke rates and will be collected by the state.

The town will contribute $1,000 towards three flag poles at the new Sunman American Legion facility.

Marshal Mark Denny was directed to address the vehicles parked for long periods of time on Western Avenue.

All three board members attended the meeting: Wayne Jenner, John Campbell and Mike Wolfe. Also, present to advise the board were Town Attorney Jack Kellerman and Clerk-Treasurer Kris Schneider. The next meeting of the Sunman Town Board will be September 15, at 6:30 at the new Sunman Town Hall.