The Dinner Bell to reopen in Burlington
By Shawna Dreadfulwater

Burlington Town Council heard plans to reopen The Dinner and to construct a new car wash/laundry business at their Sept. 13 meeting held in the town hall.

Mike and Carol Wills, new owners of The Dinner Bell, introduced themselves. They said they hope to have the restaurant open in two to three months. Currently, they are renovating the inside, including installing new restrooms that will be handicapped accessible. The Wills operate an electrical contracting business and a gift shop in Kokomo.

Art Huse, who owns the lot south of the post office, told his plans to put in a manual carwash with a laundromat on the site.

The council raised the issue of the excess use of the sewage system and without town water, it will be hard for the town to monitor the excess. Huse suggested putting a meter on his well and billing on a rate that would be suitable.

Rates from surrounding areas will be researched and Huse will then determine if it is financially feasible to continue with his plans. Huse said that many car washes, even in Kokomo, are on wells and have this meter system set up. Huse provided a possible layout for the property, showing a twobay carwash and laundry facilities. The entrance and exit from the business would be off of 9th St. The project would not begin until spring.

President Dick Davis said it was a great idea and "the council will work with you anyway we can."

Street and sewer superintendent Les Johnson reported the pump station on Mill Road is having trouble. He believes the motor may have been struck by lightning. The town will check with its insurance carrier to see if the motors are insured.

Louis Mann, representing Burlington Park Board, said the new shelter is finished and looks great. Lights have been installed and gravel brought in around the shelter. The ground on the south side of the park, where the red barn stood, has been leveled and is ready for grass seed.

The town is c u r r e n t l y r e c e i v i n g quotes for a building to be constructed on the site. But after discussion, it was decided to go ahead and plant grass to help the dirt from eroding into the ditch.

Mann reported that the park board recently voted to renew Mike Mann's contract for mowing and maintenance of park grounds for the 2007 season. The possibility of hiring Mann year round to supervise the park was brought up, but will be discussed at a future meeting.

"Someone really needs to be responsible during the winter months, too," said Mann, "especially for snow removal." Currently the town pays Steve Barnard to plow just the road, not the parking lots. The community club wants the parking lots cleared if there is an event at the building.

Clerk-Treasurer Tammy Dyer said, "It's in prior minutes that they (the community club) are responsible for their snow removal."

A new Cub Cadet zero turn mower, 27-horsepower with 60inch cut, was purchased from Forest Agri-Lawn for the park. The council approved purchase of the mower during a special meeting the afternoon of Aug. 15.

The Council agreed to pursue a small claims action against the previous owners of The Dinner Bell for an outstanding sewage bill.

"There is an ordinance written for this and we need to follow it," stated councilman Wayne Swaim.

Special meetings held

Between the Aug. 9 and Sept. 13 regularly scheduled evening meetings, the council held two special meetings and a public hearing in the afternoon. The first special meeting was called to purchase the new mower for the park. The second special meeting was to adopt the 2007 budget. Immediately after the budget hearing, a meeting was held to discuss the sewer extension project and other issues needing attention.

During the most recent special meeting held Aug. 28, the council voted to purchase a new evidence locker for $574.57. It will be delivered after the town office relocates. The council also approved $1,000 for concrete to complete the new shelter building at the park.

An easement on Richardson's property has been given allowing access to install sewage lines at Steve's Garage. The Council voted to have Ron Carman Excavating do the job at a cost of between $7,500 and $8,000.

The October Council meeting will be the 11th at 7 p.m. Plans are being made to move the town office on Oct. 13.