New town officials are sworn in At a Jan. 1 special meeting, Burlington Judge John Adams, left, swore in (l-r) the new clerk-treasurer Christy Shepherd, and council, Teddy Huffer, Joe Armstrong, and Stan Moore. Moore was elected president and Huffer, vice president. They also divided other responsibilities as follows: Huffer, park board; Armstrong, sewer plant; and Moore, town office. Photo provided Stan Moore, newly elected president of the Burlington Town Council, announced at the Jan. 8 meeting that the council has already encountered two problems which demand immediate attention.

Moore said the council learned Jan. 2 that a grant that the town applied for and received a few years ago for the sewer system is out of compliance with federal standards.

Moore said it was not the fault of the previous administration, but the fault of people the town hired to administer the grant. However, he said the previous administration was aware of the problem.

"We don't like the situation," said Moore, "and we didn't know anything about this."

Jerry White, northwest Indiana community liaison, Office of Community and Rural Affairs, said he wanted to reassure the community that he is working closely with the town council to resolve these issues in a timely manner.

"Until the findings are resolved satisfactorily, this may have some minor effects on future grants," said White.

Moore also announced that there is litigation against the town pending in Carroll Circuit Court. He was advised not to comment on the case by the town's new attorney, Justin Alter. Alter was absent from the meeting because he was ill.

Moore said the new council is bringing all of this out because they ran for office on a platform of full disclosure.

"We want to give ownership of the town hall back to the community as soon as possible," he said.

The council signed a new fouryear contract with the Carroll County Economic Development Corp. CCEDC director Daryl Smith said that it was the goal of EDC to look at the assets of each area and work to foster growth.

A new contract was presented at a special meeting Jan. 1 to Marshal Jill Hammond, which she signed. Moore indicated that the council discussed with Hammond patrolling more evenings and nights, relocating to town, and when using the marshal's vehicle from home to work, gas will be her expense.

Moore praised Hammond. "She's doing a great job."

Moore also praised clerk-treasurer Christy Shepherd's efforts and reminded the community that she has only been on the job for five days and her predecessor had five years of experience. Shepherd attended three days of computer training last week and will be attending additional training this week with the council.

They will attend "boot camp" for new council members and clerk-treasurers, hosted by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT). Moore and Teddy Huffer said they will personally pay their own expenses to attend. At an IACT meeting the three attended in December, Joe Armstrong won a free registration to the camp.

The street and utilities superintendent job is being restructured. "We believe we can improve upon this position and it will probably be part-time," said Moore.

Mike Mann will remain as park superintendent. Anyone interested in serving on the park board should contact Huffer.

Moore indicated a desire on the council's part to meet with the Community Club and all town organizations, along with township trustee Al Jackson, to establish a dialogue and discuss how the council can help each group.

On behalf of the council, Moore thanked everyone who stopped by the previous week during the open house and those in attendance at the Jan. 8 meeting. "We said we would keep the lines of communication open and that's what we intend to do," he said.

"We want to make sure we hear what you have to say," he continued. He reminded residents that council members have other jobs and requested that those having concerns or suggestions to put them down on paper and drop them off at the town office. He suggested the requests include name, date, how to get a hold of the person with the concern or suggestions, and a general idea of what the person wants to discuss. Moore said council members will respond as quickly as they can.

It was announced that the Community Club will host a "get the community together" night on Jan 27 at the Community Building. Soup, sandwiches and drinks will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and then games will be played from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Those attending are asked to take their favorite card and board games. Tickets are available at the town hall, Salin Bank and The Dinner Bell.

The next council meeting will be Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in the town hall.