Public works employees Fred and Steve Michael are "working beyond the call of duty," said Burlington Council president Stan Moore at the council's June 10 meeting.

"They are working a lot of hours per week and spending their own money for the town," he said. "They have been catching up on years and years of work and they are working for pennies on the dollar."

When the council took office in January they hired the brothers at $4,000 each per year. The budgeted amount for their position was $10,800 and Moore recommended that they be paid the full amount. It was approved.

A gas allowance for the Michaels brothers will be discussed at the July meeting.

Log jam

The log jam north of town is receiving attention from authorities, said Councilman Teddy Huffer. The Indiana Department of Transportation is preparing to rent equipment to remove the debris.

State Senator Brandt Hershman has been working with the town to get the problem corrected before there is damage to the sewage treatment.

Town marshal

Town Marshal Jill Hammond related a recent incident with a stray dog that was causing a traffic hazard. She said she tied the dog up and later found him a home. She questioned the council on what they wanted her to do when similar situations arise in the future.

The council determined she is not animal control and will discuss the matter further at the July meeting.

The town passed an ordinance setting vehicle inspection fees at $5 with revenues being deposited into a local law enforcement continuing education fund.

Hammond reported that she investigated/assisted with 2 accidents, had 15 calls for service, made 2 arrests, issued 2 gun permits, issue 27 tickets, and issued 4 warnings during May.

Community forum

Township Trustee Al Jackson reported that nine of 14 organizations made reports at the June 3 community forum. He said at the next meeting in July they hope to "start connecting the dots and set three to five year goals.

"It went well," said Moore, "and people were connecting."

Jackson said he will put all the reports together soon and send them out to the participating organizations and have copies available for pick up at the town office.

Other business

Huffer and the Michaels brothers met recently to set street work priorities.

Bids were received from Milestone Contractors and Crenshaw Paving for resurfacing of Mill Road and repair of 8th Street. Milestone's bid of $19,145 was accepted over Crenshaw's bid of $27,902.

Moore reported that some property owners will be receiving notices for non-compliance of the town's public nuisance ordinance.

Repairs to the sewage plant are proving successful. Town officials are looking into reimbursement from FEMA if it can be proven that the damage was caused from a storm.

The council had no objections to Everette and Donna Lytle's petition to vacate a portion of State Street, east of their residence.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 8.