Mural underway

DUNKIRK — Another mural is in process in the city.

All those who attended Monday’s Dunkirk City Council meeting walked into the city building while artist Pam Bliss painted above their heads.

Dunkirk Mayor Jack Robbins reported that Bliss, who also painted the Glass Capital of Indiana mural in the city in 2020, started work on her newest project last week. 

Council member Donna Revolt noted that the mural will feature three school buildings — the original Dunkirk High School that was destroyed by fire, the Dunkirk High School that followed and the Sutton School — that are no longer in operation and the dates they were established. The mural will also feature the Dunkirk Speedcats logo.

The project has been in the works for well over a year, as the city council gave the Dunkirk Beautification Committee permission to commission a mural on the south side of the city building in April 2023. It was contingent on receiving grant funding.

At the time of the approval, there had already been a $1,500 donation toward the project. The committee was also approved for a $3,250 grant from The Johnson Fund for the Dunkirk Community via The Dunkirk Foundation for the project.

The mural is expected to be completed this week, weather permitting.

The council also heard a request from Stephanie Crouch of Dunkirk Public Library for economic development income tax (EDIT) funding for new cabinets and countertops for the facility. She said the library has $3,000 to put toward the project and is seeking assistance for the remaining funds. Mustard Seed Remodeling of Portland provided a quote of $8,707 for the project.

Robbins explained that all requests for EDIT funds go through Dunkirk Industrial Development Corporation. He said he will put the topic on the agenda for its next meeting.

Efforts are being made to rehabilitate the Dunkirk Junior League baseball and softball fields on the south side of Dunkirk City Park. Mayor Jack Robbins said during Monday’s city council meeting that those involved are hoping to host a league in the fall. The facility has not been regularly used in about five years. (The Commercial Review/Ray Cooney)

 

The mayor also reported that a group has been working to rehabilitate the Dunkirk Junior League baseball/softball diamonds on the south side of Dunkirk City Park. The facility has not been regularly used for about five years.

“It’s taken its toll,” said Robbins. “They’ve got it cleaned up and we sure appreciate it. …

“We’re glad to see it starting back up and hope the residents and parents jump in and help. I think it’s going to be a good thing for the City of Dunkirk.”

Robbins said the goal is to have a fall league at the facility this year.

Council also learned that the walking trail at the park has been completed with a final inspection to come next week.

In other business, council:

•Heard a reminder from community coordinator Nate Kimball that applications are open for the county's owner-occupied rehab program through the end of the month. (He said about 70 applications have been turned in so far.) The program offers funding for home improvements including roof, water heating or heating ventilation and air conditioning unit replacements, electrical work or upgrades to make a home more accessible and applications are available at Jay County Auditor's Office at Jay County Courthouse in Portland, Dunkirk City Hall, Redkey Town Hall and Kimball's office at Community Resource Center in Portland.

•Received a thank you letter from Kathy Nelson for its recent $250 sponsorship of the West Jay Optimist Club fishing derby.

•Approved the following: a $450 sponsorship for a free swim night at Dunkirk City Pool in conjunction with its Independence Day celebration on June 29; increasing fire protection contract rates by 3% for Knox, Richland, Jackson and Niles townships; making Melissa Mumbower an authorized purchasing agent for Dunkirk City Pool; removal of a leaking fire hydrant near Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department; transfers totaling $198,622.91; payment of $340,866.99 in claims.

•Tabled the following: discussion of quotes for livestreaming equipment and new doors for the city building; a request to close an alley adjacent to High Street surrounded by four properties owned by Jonathon and Natalie Cassel; transfers totaling $198,622.91.

•Heard from Revolt that all Main Street flower pots have been adopted with various organizations committing to plant flowers and tend to them through the year.

•Heard from Bivens that water tower work is underway in the city and that residents may experience low water pressure or discolored water. The work is expected to be completed on June 18. He noted that a fence was damaged during the work and is being replaced at no cost to the city. At his request, the council also approved the purchase of 10 pump-off valves, which help to sustain water pressure, for $4,180.