Dunkirk freezes its fire fees

DUNKIRK — Townships will see no cost increase for fire coverage next year.
Dunkirk City Council agreed that the cost for fire coverage for 2017 will remain the same as it is this year for surrounding townships at its Monday meeting.
Also council heard the city will receive a grant for road work and voted to raise rates for trash disposal.
Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department will charge 2016 fees for next year for Richland Township at a cost of $5,337.02, Niles Township (Blackford County) at $2,372.41 and Jackson Township at $3,166.04. Knox Township, which opted not to be covered by Dunkirk this year because wording in the contract, would be charged $2,201.12 if it chooses to contract with the city in 2017.
Mayor Gene Ritter, who suggested that the same rates be used, told council he plans to send letters to the township trustees about the rates.
Councilman Bryan Jessup, who oversees the fire department, suggested the mayor go one step farther.
“I still think we need to verbally speak to Knox Township. We would like to try to get a little more involved to get them back,” Jessup said of himself and fire chief Steve Fields. The mayor agreed to organize such a meeting.
Mitch Hansel of Fleis & Vandenbrink Engineering also told council the city has been approved for a grant of $56,342.75. The grant, which will be used to pave city streets in 2017, requires a local match.
Council also voted to raise trash pick-up rates by 22 cents to $11.08 per month.
Clerk-treasurer Tina Elliott explained that the previous rate of $10.86 per month had not been increased in several years while the charge from Waste Management for the service had gone up to $11.08.
In other business, Jesse Bivens, Tom Johnson, Jack Robbins and Jessup, absent Lisa Street:
•Heard from Hansel that cleanouts will be completed Wednesday and sewer lines will be done next week for the Layne Addition sewer project.
•Tabled an Americans with Disabilities Act resolution until Ritter can get a copy to all council members. Also, a Title VI implementation plan, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin, sex, race or age, will be discussed at the next meeting and a phone conference will need to be held with the Indiana Department of Transportation before the end of September.
•Donated $250 to Jay Community Center for its 5K Circuit after hearing that the city will be recognized on a sign at the start/finish line.
•Were informed by Dunkirk city attorney Wes Schemenaur that the health and safety board can act on parking decisions on city streets. Also, the chief of police can make areas “no parking” temporarily. To changes areas to not allow parking permanently, the change must be advertised, signs put in place and curbs painted.
•Heard from Johnson that the train at Webster-Depot Park has been vandalized with white paint. Ritter suggested putting security cameras in the park and other areas of the city. Schemenaur told council he will research to find out if there is a liability issue with having cameras and Ritter will schedule a presentation about them for the next meeting.
•Agreed to take $4,869.99 out of the fire department budget to help pay for $31,000 worth of equipment for a rescue truck.
•Heard from water superintendent Dace Mumbower that two automatic flushers were placed on each end of the city that will provide fresh water twice a day to help with odor and discolored water. Other flushers will be placed around the city. Council also agreed to purchase six meter tops for $94 each including trade-in.
•Agreed to pay $1,600 to Newsome’s Tree Service to cut down three trees on Elm, North and Meridian streets.
•Paid claims totaling $478,815.50.