Jessup questions rental fee

DUNKIRK — A council member questioned money that is paid within city departments at Monday’s meeting.

Bryan Jessup, who oversees the Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department, questioned why the fire department pays $61,500 annually to rent fire hydrants from the city’s water department.

Council was also informed that a new police officer has been hired and the city will apply for more funding for blight elimination.

“I don’t think it hurts to ask questions,” Jessup told council about the yearly payment from the fire department to the water department.

Jessup said he inquired with fire chief Steve Fields, who said he thought the payment was necessary because of a state law. Jessup reported that he checked with the representative from H.J. Umbaugh & Associates, which helped work on the city’s 2017 budget, and learned it does not involve state law but rather that the procedure was set up by the city.

Jessup expressed frustration about the city passes a 2017 budget that calls for deficit spending and wondered aloud if the $61,500 could be used to buy a new fire truck or other department needs needed items.

“I just want to look into it at this point,” Jessup said. “This is the way we’ve done it for the past 20 years ain’t gonna work for me.”

Clerk-treasurer Tina Elliott said the money is used for yearly upkeep, and water department superintendent Dace Mumbower noted that a fire hydrant costs $6,000 and 123 need replaced to keep up with the department’s five-year plan. Mumbower also said the rental agreement may have something to do with bonds.

Council agreed to have Lisa Street, who oversees the water department, check into the issue for the next meeting.

Mayor Gene Ritter informed council that James Baughman has been hired as a new police officer to replace Brad Miller. Baughman previously worked for Portland Police Department for 14 years. Council also approved spending $7,500 for a new bullet-proof vest after learning that the current ones are outdated.

Council member Jack Robbins was informed by community development director Ami Huffman that the city can apply for more money through Indiana's Hardest Hit Blight Elimination Fund. Money is left over because some cities and towns did not use all of their allotted funds. Dunkirk was the first community to successfully complete the program, demolishing nine homes in 2015.

Council approved allowing Robbins work with Jay County Commissioners to acquire four additional properties for possible blight elimination.

Also, Ritter asked Robbins if health and safety officer Rick Buckner could be more informed about blighted properties. Robbins declined, asking that Buckner direct those any questions about the program to him.

In other business, council:

•Approved paying $191,010.79 to Fleis & Vandenbrink for the first payment on the Layne Addition sewer separation project.

•Agreed to have city attorney Wes Schemenaur draft an ordinance after hearing from resident Al Curts about a basketball goal placed in the street at Quincy Place. Curts brought a copy of an ordinance from Dublin as an example.

•Heard Robbins will check on the procedure to get a sign placed on Main Street directing drivers to Advance Auto located on West Center Street.

•Agreed to donate $100 for the annual turkey drop to be held at 10 a.m. Saturday. Ritter will drop rubber turkeys from a bucket truck.

•Heard a thank you note was received from West Jay Community Center about a donation for the soccer program.

•Tabled replacing Tim Kesler on the redevelopment committee until council can consider possible candidates.

•Agreed to have Schemenaur start the procedure for buying a property next to the water tower. No appraisal is needed because the cost is less than $25,000.

•Approved payment of $7,500 to Umbaugh for a five-year plan for the wastewater treatment plant.

•Heard the city Christmas party is set for noon Dec. 19 and the Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department Christmas party will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 3.

•Approved payment of claims totaling $453,755.