Grant effort backed

DUNKIRK — Efforts to rejuvenate the historic downtown received unanimous backing from city council members Monday night.
With little discussion, council members voted to pass a resolution, supporting “efforts to redevelop and improve the historic downtown … and the efforts of the city of Dunkirk Downtown Steering Committee in leading and promoting the effort.”
Passage of the resolution coincides with an attempt by city officials to gain a $500,000 state grant that would help pay for rehabilitation of facades and other portions of downtown buildings.
But getting that grant could be a longshot.
Dunkirk is seeking the grant through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
Competition for such a grant award is stiff, as state officials have said they intend to approve only one such grant in the state during this round of applications.
This will be Dunkirk’s first attempt, while other communities will be trying to improve upon prior applications.
In its resolution, the council calls upon “citizens, civic groups and elected officials to also join and support this effort.”
In other business Monday night council members:
•Agreed to award a contract to T-5 Construction, Eaton, for installation of new roll-up doors and two entry doors for the main shelter house in Dunkirk City Park. Councilman Tom Johnson said the improvements were necessary for safety and security reasons. T-5 Construction submitted the lowest of two quotes on the project at $11,099.67.
•Tabled discussion about hiring a new park caretaker as it is primarily a spring and summer job. Johnson said Steve Curts is resigning from the post due to health reasons.
Curts is preparing to move from the caretaker’s house in Dunkirk City Park. Councilman Chuck Rife said he wanted to receive input from the city park board about continuing with the caretaker program.
Under that program, the caretaker is allowed to live rent-free in the home and receive reimbursement on some utilities in exchange for doing maintenance work in the park.
•Approved a payment of $309 to summer pool superintendent Ashley Smith for expenses relating to classes she took to become certified in swimming pool management.
•Granted permission for Dunkirk librarian Ailesia Franklin to use the former city fire station building, corner of Commerce and Indiana streets, as part of the library’s Halloween movie and carriage ride program for young people on Saturday, Oct. 30.
•Heard an update from council representative Judy Garr on the status of the city water main improvement project. She said that homes along Moore Avenue will connected to new water pipelines soon. She said water quality issues will not be immediately resolved, as the new water plant improvements still need to be completed.
•Received copies of specifications for bidding the next three-year contract for trash collection services from city clerk-treasurer Jane Kesler.
The current contract with Best-Way Disposal Services of Randolph County expires on Dec. 31, 2010. 
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