Winona Lake Town Council Tuesday approved supporting a bond for Grace College dorms.
Terry Howie, councilman, made the motion, seconded by Bruce Shaffner.
Tim Emerick, bond counsel, said it is a $10 million economic development bond for Grace Schools.
The bonds are in the name of the town of Winona Lake, but as per the law, the town does not have any responsibility for the bonds, according to Jim Walmer, town attorney.
The bond will allow the building of a new dorm and refinancing of a bond on a dorm already built. The bond is not to exceed $10 million and is for building new dorms on Grace College campus by Kent Hall and refinancing the bond for dorms built on Seventh Street.
The council also approved submitting the 2016 budget to Gateway. The business will put the advertised budget online so it can be viewed electronically.
Larry Long, town engineer, provided an update and said the underground conduit work on the decorative lights on the island has been completed and concrete foundation work will begin this week.
Tom Miller, public works director, said an air release valve has been replaced on Winona Avenue.
Trees and debris have been removed from the Stonecamp lift station and manholes were repaired on Chestnut Avenue and Kings Highway.
Paul Schmitt, town marshal, said there has been an issue with bicycle safety on Roy Street coming off the Greenway trail.
Schmitt said bicyclists are not obeying posted stop signs and said he talked with Craig Allebach, town coordinator, about installing staggered gates.
The gates would require bicyclists to slow down and weave in and out of the gates.
“That’s what they have at state parks in Indiana and they work well,” Schmitt said.
Another option would be to place lighted speed limit signs for vehicles and provide extra patrols.
Schmitt thanked the fire department for sponsoring a benefit fundraiser for Reserve Officer Carl Love that raised $2,000 for Love’s medical expenses.
Howie said Pierceton Road on the north side is sinking and a street light at the end of Robinson Road is out.
In other business the council approved:
• A $63,477.50 contract with Niblock Excavating to install 30 parking spots across from Boathouse Restaurant.
• Selling property the town owns on 9th Street to Jim and Jennifer Lancaster.
Upcoming events are Winona bike races from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday; the Village At Winona Canal Days Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Block of Love 2015 in the Village at Winona Sept. 12 at 4 p.m.; Techno Glo 5K run and walk on the Winona Lake trails Sept. 18 at 7:15 p.m. and Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop grand opening Sept. 12.
(Story By The Times Union)
