Study suggests retention basins

DUNKIRK — A flood study has determined that retention ponds are the answer to help alleviate flooding in the city.

Mitch Hansel of Fleis & Vandenbrink Engineering informed Dunkirk City Council on Monday of five possible locations for the ponds. Council also tabled a decision on a loan to a local organization and made an adjustment on a water bill of more than $40,000.

The flood study was needed after heavy rains in August 2014 flooded homes in the city.

Hansel said the flood study recommended putting retention ponds behind the parking lot of the former George’s Grocery store by the creek on Main Street; behind Pak-a-Sak on Main Street; behind St. Marys Catholic Church on Broad Street and Leisure Lane Apartments; between Second and Third streets by the railroad tracks on East Washington Street; and at the end of Moore Avenue behind the homes on Broad Street.

The engineering firm suggests first creating retention ponds behind the former grocery store and at the end of Moore Avenue at a cost of approximately $550,000. The city plans to apply for an Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) grant to pay for the project.

Counsel was informed that Ami Huffman, community development director, is leading a salary income survey with Universal Research Consultants that could help acquire this grant and others.

“Do talk to them. Don’t hang up on them,” council member Jesse Bivens urged.

A decision on a requested 10-year, $10,000 loan to Dunkirk American Legion was tabled to further discuss guidelines for revolving loans.

City attorney Wes Schemenaur said the guidelines suggest a five-year maximum loan. Mayor Gene Ritter and Schemenaur will check to see if the legion can receive a 10-year loan if they mortgage it against the property.

Jodi Hines, the city’s deputy clerk, told council there is an outstanding water bill for $40,835,59 for Apartment No. 5 at Clevenger’s Apartment’s, 831 S. Franklin St.

Hines said when the renter moved out in 2015 the account was never changed back to the facility owner and the meter remained active. An underground leak resulted in the large bill.

Council agreed to adjust the bill.

In other business, council members Bryan Jessup, Tom Johnson, Jack Robbins, Lisa Street and Bivens:

•Approved an amended ordinance allowing the police department to remove items that are obstructing streets and sidewalks.

•Heard from clerk-treasurer Tina Elliott and Hines that some residents didn’t receive their water bills from the post office. Residents who did not receive a bill are asked to call the city building at (765) 768-6565 to inquire about their balance.

•Were reminded that a Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the city building

•Heard an activity report for 2016 that indicated Dunkirk Police Department handled 1,556 complaints and drove 51,000 miles.

•Agreed to pay a $5,313.31 water bill for Dunkirk City Pool for 2015 out of the 2017 budget.

•Elected Bivens as council president for 2017.

•Scheduled an executive session for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23 to do an employee evaluation for health and safety officer Rick Buckner.

•Approved spending $5,865.94 to Utility Supply Company to make repairs to well house No. 1 at the water department and not to exceed $2,584 for labor to Peerless Midwest.

•Tabled making updates to the city employee handbook.

•Approved claims totaling $128,186.90.