By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews
PIERCETON — A public hearing on the town’s proposed master utility study was held prior to the Pierceton Town Council’s meeting on May 13.
The town is seeking a planning grant funded by Indiana’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs in order to get the study completed. Olivia Nix with the Michiana Area Council of Governments gave an overview of the process and said the town would get $90,000, with a 10% local match from the town being provided through American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Nix also said there would be more public engagement on the process once an engineering firm to complete the study was determined. Any residents with current utility issues are encouraged to contact Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast in order to aid the process.
In other business, Kim Cole, a co-owner of Tap Root Brewhouse and Company, requested permission to close an alleyway near the business from 1-5 p.m. every Sunday to host a farmers’ market. Cole said the market will take place from the first Sunday in June through the end of September. Council gave Cole permission to do so.
Adam Custer with Mobile Storage Near Me in Warsaw also attended the meeting to talk with council about the usage of cargo containers in town, primarily for businesses. He asked if the town had sent any communication to Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission Director Matt Sandy regarding a revised cargo box ordinance amendment. Mast said her communication with Sandy about the topic had been limited.
Custer told the council he was advocating for the containers’ usage in commercial spaces.
Council President Glenn Hall said he was against cargo containers being used for residential properties, but was unopposed to commercial use or for temporary matters such as a property owner recovering from fire or water damage.
The council approved allowing cargo containers for commercial use with a variance. No residential use is permitted at this time.
Council Member Matt Brubaker also presented a request from Chelsea Creekmore, who is wanting to turn an awning into a balcony at 119 N. First St. Hall said he would like to see blueprints of the project, and the request was taken under advisement.
The council also:
- Learned town-wide garage sales will take place on June 7 and 8.
- Heard large trash pickup will take place on June 15.
- Approved and adopted the town’s employee handbook ordinance.
- Heard a reminder from Town Marshal Jim Bumbaugh about golf carts not being allowed on SR 13.
- Approved the purchase of a new wastewater pump for the town.
- Approved replacing the water heater at the senior center.
Council’s next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 10.
