Issue will go to ballot

REDKEY — Town residents will get a choice on this fall’s election ballot.
Redkey Town Council met in a special meeting Monday and learned that a petition started by resident Richard Whitacre to have the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission provide oversight of the town’s water department will appear on the November ballot for residents to vote on.  
Clerk-treasurer Debbie James took the petition, signed by town residents, to Jay County clerk Ellen Coats and had it certified.  The town had to vote to have the petition presented to the election board to be put on the ballot.
James will send a letter with residents’ October water bills explaining the petition.
Council president Kyle Champ and members Mike Wright, Ted Friddle, Greg Curme and Charles “Red” Coons, were informed that Darin James, Redkey Water Department part-time employee, is in the process of accepting another position. He is waiting on results of a drug screening and background check.
“I think we need to hire another utility worker,” Coons said.
“We have to have a licensed operator, period,” Friddle added.
James offered to continue as a part-time employee to do water testing and paperwork, but members agreed to advertise a full-time water plant operator/utility worker.
A representative from Fleis and Vandenbrink Engineering presented council with two permits and a letter of intent to sign for the town’s sewer separation project.
Council approved the permits and James presented the firm with checks for $19,100 to Norfolk and Southern Railroad and $800 to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.  
Fleis and Vandenbrink also presented sketches of easements for town attorney Wes Schemenaur to review.
A bid of $1,500 was accepted from Brad and April Neal to purchase a vacant property at 307 W. Main St. next to their home at 316 W. Main St., with Coons casting the only dissenting vote.
“I’m not gonna go for it. I’m against it,” Coons said.
He questioned the appraised value of the property. The town has spent $5,667.87 on taxes and tearing down the house that was on the property.
In other business, council:
•Agreed to give a $450 clothing allowance to new town deputy Ryan Miskinis.