Township Trustee Al Jackson reported at the May 13 meeting of the Burlington Town Council that the first community forum had been held with 14 of the 15 invited groups represented. He said the initial meeting focused on the intent of the forum and what can be expected. All the represented organizations were given some homework to do which they will present to the group at the next meeting set for June 3 in the Community Building.

Jackson said everyone is invited to join and participate in the forum. He is available to help groups that need assistance with their assignment.

The intent of the forum is to bring together the various groups and organizations in the Burlington community and identify strengths, weaknesses, concerns and overlap of services.

"It's an opportunity to help each other out," said Jackson.

He also indicated it will be an opportunity to put together a strategic plan for the town which will be useful when applying for grants.

Council member Teddy Huffer said the Carroll County Community YMCA is willing to expand programming to Burlington with a seniors program called Silver Sneakers.

"This will be a great chance for our seniors to improve their health,' he said.

The cost will be $3 per session, but those who are insured with Blue Cross, Humana and AARP will have that cost covered, according to Huffer.

A person to head the program is currently being sought.

Huffer also reported that he had spoken with Sharon Wood of Area IV Agency on Aging & Community Action Programs. He encouraged seniors to call Area IV office in Delphi to schedule transportation to doctor appointments, to get groceries and medicines, etc.

The Area IV vans are for county residents to use, he explained.

"It is time that people who need transportation service in the Burlington area request the use of a van," he said. "If the demand for use is there, Burlington stands to gain from it in the future."

Marshal Jill Hammond reported two criminal arrests, three gun permits issued, 16 calls for service, 25 citations issued, six warnings issued, and eight title checks in April.

There has been mischief reported at the park.

The council reinstated the deputy marshal program, starting in June. Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Hammond has agreed to work 10 to 15 hours per week, nights and weekends.

Council president Stan Moore said some properties in town need mowing. He reminded residents that the town's ordinance will be enforced. Letters will be mailed to violators and if there is no response, the town will see that the yard is mowed and bill the owner.

Moore reported that State Senator Brandt Hershman wrote a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting assistance in helping with a log jam on Wildcat Creek which is slowing the flow of the town's sewer plant.

The council accepted Carman Excavating's bid of $500 to repair the sink holes on the west side of the sewage plant.

Kiwanis Club is donating $600 for the purchase of mulch for the park.

Council member Joe Armstrong reported on attending a recent Carroll County Economic Development meeting regarding EDIT funding. He said that CCEDC is requesting that the county increase its economic development income tax (EDIT) to have additional funds to invest in economic development. Armstrong said that Carroll County's rate at .1% is the lowest in the surrounding area.

Moore reported that State Senator Brandt Hershman wrote a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting assistance in helping with a log jam on Wildcat Creek which is slowing the flow of the town's sewer plant.

Drain issues are still a concern, but council members Armstrong and Huffer, along with utilities employee Steve Michael have been working on the problems as time and money permit.

The council is waiting on a second set of bids before letting the bid for street work.

Local resident Carla Knapp has volunteered to organize a 5K run, possibly during the 4th of July holiday or the Burlington Fall Festival. Council gave its approval.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. June 10.