Architect for project hired (02/07/07)

GENEVA - Plans for more migrant housing at Red Gold moved forward Tuesday after council members here hired an architect for the project.

Council members voted to hire Prince Alexander Partners Inc. of Indianapolis as the architect for the construction project.

The town is serving as the fiscal agent for Red Gold of Geneva for a state grant received for the project. The application for the grant was made through the town.

Construction of a 18-unit building near the Red Gold plant on the south side of town and able to house 80 residents, is set to begin this spring.

Town clerk-treasurer Doug Milligan said this morning that Red Gold also has plans for construction of a second housing building this spring. He added that the town is not involved as the fiscal agent in that project.

In other business Tuesday, town manager Steve Hampshire reported that he has been gathering information on a local Rails to Trails program.

This program, managed locally by a 16-person committee of eight Geneva residents and eight Berne residents, is currently waiting on the results of a feasibility study and preliminary designs for the project currently being completed by Commonwealth Engineers of Indianapolis. These items will be used to apply for a transportation enhancement grant by April 15, Milligan said.

The proposed project would link Berne and Geneva along the old Penn Central Railroad bed with a bicycle/walking trail.

Councilman Mike Schwartz and Milligan are members of the committee.

Also Tuesday, council members:

•Told Ernie Steiner from Swiss Village Retirement Community that the town would abandon its interest in a wooden train depot in Decatur.

The depot is located near and owned by Arnold's Lumber, 425 Winchester Street, Decatur. The owner of Arnold's Lumber would like the depot removed to make room for a new warehouse, Milligan said this morning.

Milligan added that the town and Swiss Village were both approached and were interested in taking the building.

The 24-by-56 foot building could have been torn down and rebuilt on the planned walking trail, Milligan said.

•Received a copy of a five-year plan completed by Hampshire. Council members were asked to review the plan, which includes future needs for the water, wastewater and street departments.

•Appointed Andrew Briggs to the Geneva Planning Commission. The board currently has six members including council members Mike Schwartz, Jim Timmons, Lew Wingler and three members appointed by the council including Richard Clutter, Donald Graber and William Warren. Adams County Commissioners appointed Ceylon residents Jim Fosnaugh and John Pyle. Pyle also has agreed to appointment on the Geneva Board of Zoning Appeals. The planning commission is scheduled to vote on Pyle's appointment at its meeting Tuesday.

These appointments to the planning commission will bring it to the maximum number of nine members.

•Approved the purchase of a town sign to replace a sign that was damaged in an auto accident last week. The cost of the sign is not to exceed $3,500 and town officials anticipate the driver's insurance will pay for the replacement.

•Noted the council's March meeting will be Tuesday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. in Geneva Town Hall.

•Reported they will meet in executive session on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. to discuss a job performance evaluation of employees.[[In-content Ad]]