Project outline given (09/26/2008)

REDKEY - A timetable and cost estimates for major water system improvements here were outlined at Thursday night's council meeting.

Advertisement for bids could be as early as the end of October with a bid opening planned for November.

Construction could start by late February or early March, Commonwealth Engineering representative Patrick Zaharako told Redkey council members.

Commonwealth is Redkey's consulting engineering firm for the project which will include improvements for the town's water plant as well as construction of a new water tower and larger reservoir tank in the area of Morgan Park.

The $2.4 million project will be funded largely through grants and loans. Redkey was awarded a $500,000 Community Focus Fund grant through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs last spring. The CFF grant will be combined with a $220,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as USDA loans totaling approximately $1.2 million.

Commonwealth representative Zaharako outlined the latest cost estimates Thursday, pointing out that the estimates have risen from $2.2 million in January 2007 to more than $2.4 million.

Cost estimates include subtotals of $594,000 for the water treatment plant; $661,000 for the new 200,000-gallon capacity elevated water storage tank, and $765,000 for water distribution system improvements which will include replacement and improvement of some water mains.

In other action Thursday night Redkey council members approved the second and final reading of the town's 2009 budget.

The 2009 budget totals $541,000, with the maximum levy, or amount to be raised through property taxes, at $212,500, Redkey clerk-treasurer Sandy Kirby said.

Full-time employees will receive a 2 percent pay increase, according to the new budget.

Also Thursday night town council members:

•Heard a positive report from park board member Terri Heston about the recent volunteer efforts to disassemble and remove several large pieces of playground equipment from the playground at Redkey Elementary School. The Jay School Corporation donated the equipment to the town, and Heston said that plans call for reassembling it in the spring at Morgan Park in Redkey.

She said additional efforts by volunteers will be needed at that time.

•Approved first reading of an ordinance to increase trash collection fees to stay in line with contract rate increases from BestWay Disposal Company. The new ordinance is proposing a $10 per month fee for once-a-week residential pickup; $20 per month fee for twice-a-week residential pickup; and $20 per month fee for trash collection from businesses. These fees are paid through collection of water bills.

•Noted that the next townwide pickup is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18.

•Noted that the annual Halloween costume contest for youngsters will be Friday, Oct. 31, at the fire station, starting at 5:30 p.m. with trick-or-treating to follow from 6 to 8 p.m.[[In-content Ad]]