Spring is in the air, but that did not stop the Palmyra Town Council from discussing its snow removal policy during its regular bi-monthly council and utilities control board meeting Thursday evening at the town hall.

Snow removal has been on the council’s agenda periodically for several months, but this time the council dug a little deeper into possible preparations for the upcoming winter season.

Council president Virginia (Jenny) Kirkham said she spoke with a representative about purchasing a new truck, which would be equipped with a dump bed and spreader. However, the cost and unpredictable frequency of use made it difficult to justify such a significant expenditure. Kirkham further noted that it is no longer possible to order 2022 vehicles and 2023 models will not be available for order until July.

Town employees were able to use a tractor to clear roads at times this past winter, but that might not always be feasible. Kirkham said it could be in the town’s best interest to look at purchasing a used truck. She asked Clerk-Treasurer Debra Jones if local roads and streets fund monies could be used to cover all or part of a truck purchase.

Jones said she would review regulations on those dollars and report back to the council.

“We just don’t do that much with our roads,” Jones added. Councilman Wayman (Lee) Childers also asked Jones to determine if the town were to employ a contractor for clearing snow from its roads, if those services could be paid for from local roads and streets funds.

Although no action was taken, the council talked through the merits of purchasing its own equipment versus hiring out the work. In addition, use of the equipment for applications outside of snow removal was mentioned.

“If we could use it equilaterally across the town, I’d say it would be a no-brainer,” Childers added.

In another matter, the council announced on April 25 town sewer operator Gene Dyke passed the required examination to become a licensed Indiana water operator. As a result, Dyke qualified for a pay increase of as much as $2 per hour.

“It’s in our salary ordinance that the raise can be up to $2 per hour,” Jones said.

The council voted unanimously to approve a $2-per-hour raise for Dyke.

The council also generated an agreement it would extend for regular cleaning services at the town hall and community center. Through discussion of the scope of work and timetable, it was determined the town hall could be cleaned in two hours while the community center would require three. The town furnishes cleaners and supplies.

Kirkham said Sheree Arnold was nearing retirement from her job and applied for the town’s vacant cleaning position. Arnold also cleans several other locations in the area. Kirkham noted Arnold provided the town a rate of $20 per hour and said she could begin in July.

To ensure sufficient time for thorough cleaning at both town buildings and account for cleaning needs that could vary at the community center, the council determined it would be able to pay $115 per week, not limited to an hourly rate. It voted to extend the offer to Arnold, contingent upon her approval of the agreement.

The council also revisited a matter it discussed last year, involving Martin Street on the town’s south side.

Property owner Josh Dean came before the council last year to mention he was installing a greenhouse business on his property at 13740 Martin St. NW. A water meter was also recently installed at Dean’s property.

Town utility clerk Jeanetta Hopper said signs have been received for Martin Street and asked if the town might want to consider putting down gravel on the roadway there.

Kirkham said Martin Street has never been officially opened. She added it had not been marked and isn’t used often. She also noted there is gravel on the roadway from Voyles to Kahl Street.

“That should be on the list for paving,” Kirkham said.

The council decided it would study applying gravel at the site and make sure to add Martin Street to the list the next time it applies for a Community Crossings Fund grant from the Indiana Dept. of Transportation. It also agreed to solicit quotes for gravel and site preparation.

In addition, the council tabled any further action on the initiative until Dyke and town water operator Tim Combs were present to weigh in on what site and spreading work they might be able to complete with the town’s tractor and equipment.

During the utilities control board segment of the meeting, discrepancies in the town’s utility contract with Morgan Elementary School were discussed.

Town attorney Adam Burkhardt said he was awaiting information from rate consultants Baker-Tilley to ensure the town’s preliminary ideas on rate calculations were on the right track before proceeding.

“We’re just working through some details,” Childers said of the ongoing dialogue between the school and town over utility rates.

The council agreed to table any further action regarding Morgan Elementary School until the rate information was received.

In other business, the town council and utilities control board:

•Agreed to have Kirkham contact Sweetland LLC for a price on trash pick-up services at the town sewer plant.

•Approved payment of invoices for $1,906 for check valve and flanges and $19,985 for a pit base to Strafer Pumps located in Chandler. Also, voted to pay $1,417.84 to L&D Mailmasters for postage on recent mailings.

•Discussed declaring a town service truck surplus property but agreed to wait until Dyke and Combs could be consulted to provide specifics on its use.

•Voted to add a receivable line in the town’s utilities ledger for sewer deposits. Water deposits already occupy a separate line, Jones said. Sewer deposits will be put in the receipt book beginning May 2 and will be balanced at the end of each month.

•Learned Combs is pursuing necessary certifications to operate the town’s mosquito fogging equipment. Once obtained, the sprayer will require calibration prior to use, Kirkham said.

•Elected to reimburse Dyke for $70 for fees associated with his water operator licensure testing.

•Authorized Hopper to move forward with renewing the town’s Sam’s Club membership and also agreed to purchase blinds for the community center and plastic bags and to-go boxes to be used for senior center meals.

•Set a preliminary date of May 19 for an event at the town’s community center to continue discussion on development of its comprehensive plan.

Click on the calendar to list the events

Click on the calendar to list the events