Geneva workers getting a raise (07/11/07)

GENEVA - A 3 percent wage increase was proposed Tuesday for all town employees here.

Geneva Town Council members Mike Schwartz, Jim Timmons and Lew Wingler approved the first reading of the ordinance, which must be approved two more times.

This increase will set board members' salaries at $1,982.05 a year, up from $1,924.32 a year and the council president will receive $2,238.40, an increase from $2,173.20. Town clerk-treasurer Doug Milligan's salary will increase to $32,383.20 a year from $31,440.

This ordinance also sets salaries and wages for town employees and department heads for the town hall, police, water, wastewater, street and fire departments.

Last year, a 3 percent increase was approved.

Milligan also provided preliminary information to the council on the 2008 budget. He added that he still needs to meet with department heads to discuss their projected figures. The updated information will be presented to the board in August.

Also Tuesday, council members approved the second reading of an ordinance regulating the use of golf carts on town streets.

Following discussion on the fine schedule, it was set with a minimum fine of $50 with a maximum fine of $1,000.

Town attorney Chris Harvey explained to several concerned town residents that the minimum age limit set for golf cart operators is 16 years old, because insurance companies will not insure any person under 16.

The ordinance prohibits use of a golf cart on U.S. 27 or West Line Street (Ind. 116) in accordance with state law.

Also according to the ordinance, golf carts must be registered at the town hall, owners must pay a $5 registration fee, must be insured and are required to be equipped with a slow moving vehicle sign, headlights and taillights.

"The biggest thing we want to make sure of is that people are safe," Schwartz said.

A third and final reading of this ordinance will be held at the council's Aug. 7 meeting.

In other business, council members approved the purchase of disability insurance for Geneva Police Department reserve officers through the Accident and Sickness Indiana Police Reserve Officer Program.

The insurance for one year for eight reserve officers will cost $800 for the group. The reserve officers are covered under the town's workers compensation but would not be paid by their place of employment if they were injured while performing duties as a reserve for the town and could not work.

The town's full-time officers and members of the Geneva Volunteer Fire Department currently have this insurance.

Also Tuesday, board members:

•Heard Geneva Volunteer Fire Department chief John Kleinknight report that the town fire department may have to purchase all new portable radios and radios for their trucks. The total cost is approximately $50,000.

Kleinknight said that a recent change in the radio system used by the Adam County Sheriff's Department is causing problems with the Geneva department's portable radios.

Board members told Kleinknight to investigate the problem further with county officials before pricing new radios.

•Approved a 5 percent increase for fire contract coverage with four townships in Adams and Jay counties. For 2008, Wabash Township in Jay County will pay the town $3,620.61. In Adams County, Hartford Township will pay $4,461.82, Jefferson Township will pay $3,986.64 and Wabash Township will pay $7,372.42.

•Amended an decision to replace two of the three signs at the town limits on U.S. 27 and Ind. 116. Council members agreed Tuesday to put up signs that read "Home of Indiana author Gene Stratton-Porter" to replace signs that read "Birthplace of Robert E. Lee Brown" at the north and south town limits. The current Brown sign on the west side will remain there and if the members of the Robert E. Lee Brown committee choose to allow one of the signs will be placed in the museum in the lobby of the town hall.

•Heard Milligan report that the town annex located just west of town hall will be vacant at the end of the month. The annex is currently being rented.

•Voted to close a portion of Decatur Street on August 18 for the Summer's End Street Festival put on by Geneva Downtown Merchants.

•Heard Kleinknight remind town residents that the entire county is under a no burning order that was put into effect Monday by Adams County Commissioners.

•Heard Milligan report that the town is waiting on completion of an income survey before applying for a planning grant for the renovation of the Geneva Fire Department.

•Appointed Penny Briggs to the South Adams Senior Center Board. Stan Moser recently resigned from the board.[[In-content Ad]]