Blight removal progressing

DUNKIRK — The removal of blighted homes is nearly complete.
Dunkirk City Council heard Monday that the eighth of nine homes set to be razed in the city was completed earlier in the day.
Council also learned a Dunkirk factory is experiencing larger than usual sewage bills.
Councilman Jack Robbins, who serves as health and safety officer and zoning administrator, informed council Monday that Kesler Excavating has razed the eighth home, located at 325 E. North St.
Dunkirk was awarded an Indiana Hardest Hit Fund Blight Elimination grant of $176,000 in October 2014 to remove the blighted houses.
Robbins said the final home, at 325 E. High St., will also be torn down this fall if good weather continues.
Councilman Jesse Bivens, who oversees Dunkirk Wastewater Treatment Plant, said the sewage bill at Ardagh glass factory has been higher than usual since May. The company calibrated its sensors which led to inaccurate readings and a higher sewer bill.
“The sewage meter’s their responsibility,” Mayor Dan Watson told council.
“I think that’s their housekeeping,” councilman Judy Garr agreed.
“They can come in and talk to council,” Watson said.
In other business, council members Tom Johnson, Lisa Street, Robbins, Bivens and Garr:
•Agreed to pay $14,965 to United Piping for an automatic purge for Dunkirk Wastewater Treatment Plant.
•Donated $100 after receiving a request letter from Judy Davenport from Dunkirk Community Concerns Food Bank.
•Paid $100 to Kent Taylor for the installation of door panels at the garage at Dunkirk City Park.
•Were reminded leaf pick-up continues each Saturday in November. Leaves should be bagged and placed on the curb and no leaves should be burned in city limits.
•Learned from Johnson that the park board meeting is rescheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 2.
•Paid claims totalling $341,922.97.