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Holton
may not have a Jamboree
Karen Reynolds
Contributing Writer
The Holton Town Board held their March meeting
with members Paul Hughes, Ryan Lauber, Angie Farrell and Beth Cooper
attending. Topics of discussion included the possibility that this
year, for the first time in many years, there may not be a Jamboree,
according to town resident, Wilma Myers. She cited her reason as
being “due to a lack of help.”
The Holton Town Park was scheduled to open March 22. However, according
to longtime town resident, Wilbur Myers, there is a lot of work
to do before opening day. He reported the pop machine is in need
of maintenance, the water fountain needs repair, sandboxes need
repaired and filled with sand, and the restrooms are in need of
maintenance.
Holton currently has $10,000 in outstanding bills with only about
$17,000 in its account. The reason funds are so low right now is
due to putting in new pumps. Beth Cooper suggested the board cash
in a portion of one of its certificates of deposits. The board unanimously
agreed to cash in half of a CD to cover the added expenses.
The information needed to procure a grant for replacing sewer pumps
is almost complete, with information needed from the clerk/treasurer
by March 31. The town is hoping to get a grant that will also help
pay for repairs at the lagoon. There is still stimulus money available
for loans and grants until September 2010. To qualify for such a
grant, the town would need an engineer to do a study. Ryan Lauber
was asked to look into this further.
The State Board of Accounts is currently auditing the financial
books. They requested that the board list the actual hourly wage
for all employees, full time or part time.
No lien money was received this past month. There is a need to put
a $1000 lien against an outstanding account, because the house in
question is scheduled for sheriff’s sale April 7, 2010.
In answer to the insurance dilemma of town worker, Jimmy Adkins,
Sara Hildebrand, clerk/treasurer has been making some phone calls
about the situation but does not yet have an answer. In the meantime,
Adkins still has insurance, paying about $17.00 weekly for premiums.
He had not checked on other insurance options. This issue was tabled
until the board hears back from the State Board of Accounts on this
situation.
The new maintenance building is close to completion. The walls have
been painted recently. The board agreed unanimously to seal the
floor with cement paint/sealer because it would help preserve the
floor longer. Adkins will take care of it right away. The water
meter will have to be moved, which will cost Holton $1,085.00 with
a $200 hook-up fee being waived. This must be done before they can
finish the parking lot.
Town residents questioned the issue of railroad signs at the three
crossings in town. Beth Cooper reported that the railroad signs
have been ordered but she wasn’t sure how soon they would be
in. Bob Curl, town marshal, reported that all three crossings have
been repaired but the railroad is scheduled to make some more repairs
to them.
Steve Faulkner, town resident, was concerned about some drain lines
and a culvert that are needed at his house. Paul Hughes agreed that
they “need to get it done.” Faulkner was also concerned
about why the American flag at the Holton Post Office is left up
all night, without being properly lit. Angie Farrell assured him
that the flagpole belongs to the post office, not the town.
Paul Hughes let it be known that the town board will support getting
“music in the park” back again. The board would support
getting its own sound system. Wilbur Myers was of the opinion that
it is hard to get groups to come and play for free.
The next regularly scheduled town board meeting is Thursday, April
8 at the community building. |
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