Town hires a new officer

REDKEY — A deputy has been hired for the second time in as many months.
Redkey Town Council voted Thursday to hire Monty Shrack at the recommendation of town marshal Todd Miller.
Council also approved its budget on first reading, got an update on the sewer separation project, set a meeting to hire a new water department employee and heard concerns from residents.
Shrack, who most recently worked as a reserve with Jay County Sheriff’s Office, will replace Jessica Maymi. She resigned Aug. 6.
Ryan Miskinis was hired in July when former deputy Keith Gardner took a position at the sheriff’s office.
The first reading of the 2016 town budget was read and approved. The 2016 estimated budget is $524,245, which is an increase from the 2015 budget of $502,700.
Mitch Hansel of Fleis & Vandenbrink told council that the plans for the sewer separation he submitted to United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development on July 31 have not yet been approved. He hopes to have the plans approved next week, and said the project should move ahead as scheduled.
“I’m still shooting for Labor Day,” Hansel said.
A special meeting for the first reading of the bond ordinance for the project has been set for 6 p.m. Sept. 3.
Darin James, an employee with the water department, has taken another position. He will continue working 15 hours per week at the sewage plant for $900 per month until a new employee is hired.
The board set an executive session for 6 p.m. Thursday to interview applicants for a full-time position to replace James and to set a salary for the position, and a special meeting to follow at 7 p.m. in order to hire a new employee.
Resident James Phillips read from documents and said he plans to sue the town regarding sewer issues and has filed paperwork for an appeal to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
“That’s why I’m here tonight, gentlemen. Let’s go to court,” Phillips said.
Redkey Town Attorney Wes Schemenaur said he will look over the paperwork.
Resident Jim Funkhouser approached council with concerns about the junk ordinance that was passed in February in an effort to clean up properties in the town, saying he might fight it in court.
Councilman Mike Wright spearheaded the ordinance and has been riding along with Miller when it is being enforced.  
Funkhouser said he agrees with the ordinance concerning getting rid of abandoned vehicles, but said the ordinance is vague about what are considered decorative items, such as an antique Coke cooler and gas pump.
“I’m not asking for favortism, I’m asking for fairness,” Funkhouser said. “Since I’m being harassed, I’m coming back at ya.”
He also asked for an electrical meter to be removed at a property he owns at 101 High St. or to work out a rental agreement with the town when the electric is used for town purposes.
He also requested that the water be shut off at another of his properties. A work order was placed previously, but the work was never completed and Funkhouser said it has resulted in thousands of dollars in fees.
“We’re doing everything we can in town. I mean, I think everybody’s been fair. If certain people have issues with it, I’m sorry,” council president Kyle Champ said about the ordinance.
“It’s frustrating. It’s my job. I’ve tried to fulfill my duties as best as possible,” Miller later said and advised council to let the matter go to court.
Richard Whitacre, who presented a petition to council in July to send to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission that requests there be a ballot measure in November to remove the town’s water department from town council control, had other concerns.
He questioned an article in The Commercial Review about a February town council meeting and said the town doesn’t need two deputy clerks working at town hall.
In other business, council members Ted Friddle, Greg Curme, Charles “Red” Coons, Wright and Champ:
•Agreed to estimate half of the town’s water bills for this month because the town employee who reads the meters was on vacation.
•Accepted a bid of $3,600 to Lehman Excavating to patch the streets.
•Approved the purchase of three bulletproof vests for the police department at a cost of $900 each.
•Agreed to close Oak Street for a back to school dance Sept. 26, close the entrances to the Redkey Park on Oct. 16 for a Flashlight Candy Craze and block off part of High Street for a fall festival on Oct. 22 through 24.
•Approved water bill adjustments of $164.82 and claims of $133,964.15.
•Scheduled a town clean-up for Oct. 17.