Work is complete on the log jam north of town, announced Burlington Town Council President Stan Moore at the July 8 meeting.

The town will receive 75% reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damage to the sewage treatment plant and tile caused by the log jam on Wildcat Creek, reported council member Teddy Huffer. To date, expenses have amounted to $28,870.

"We appreciate all the efforts to get that work done, especially those of State Senator Brandt Hershman and Congressman Joe Donnelly," said Moore. "This could have been a devastating situation for the town."

County EDC

Carroll Economic Development Director Daryl Smith presented the EDC's annual budget request for 2008. Town officials approved the prior negotiated rate of $3.80 per town resident, amounting to $1,706.

"The way to build yourself out of tough economic times is through building a tax base," said Smith.

Moore praised his efforts, as did Milt Rodgers, one of the town's three representatives on the county EDC.

"Daryl is doing an outstanding job," Rodgers remarked.

Smith said that the EDC is working hand-in-hand with the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce to promote raising the county's Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) from its current rate of .1% to .25%.

Raising EDIT was one of the recommendations in the strategic plan for Carroll County put together by marketing specialists Richard Heupel and Bob St. Claire, said Smith.

If the county council passes the increase later this month, Smith asked the town council to consider earmarking all monies above the .1% level for special economic development projects. That money would be pooled with monies from the county's other municipalities - Delphi, Flora and Camden - and decisions on how to best spend the funds would be decided by designated representatives from the municipalities.

"The idea is to leverage the money to get better use of it for capital projects or matching grants to be decided jointly by the municipalities," said Smith.

Park board

Park Board chairman Larry Sedwick reported that the tile east and north of the ball diamond has been repaired for the fourth time in two years.

"It's time to fix it right and see if we can get water to run east of it, instead of across the road," he said.

The council agreed and requested that the park board submit estimates for the work to be done.

Work on the refreshment stand is ready to begin, Sedwick concluded

Fundrasier

As a fundraiser for town Christmas decorations, the Community Club is sponsoring a Christmas in July promotion. In three days, the club has netted over $700 toward its goal of $1,500.

Three Santa Clauses have been circulating around the town and vicinity, appearing in residents' yards. To have a Santa Claus removed, residents are asked to make a $10 donation, $13 if they do not want Santa to reappear in their yard.

The club has estimated a cost of $110 to sponsor a decorated post for the Christmas holiday. Kiwanis Club recently approved a three-year sponsorship of a pole.

Moore encouraged residents who wish to get involved with their community to join the Community Club.

"They do great work in this community and they could use more help," he said.

Ordinances

Ordinance 2008-01 was passed assessing a $5 fee for motor vehicle and recreation vehicle checks by the police department. Funds generated will be placed in a continuing education fund for police.

The council also suspended rules and passed on second reading Ordinance 2008-02 vacating State Street adjoining the property of Everette and Donna Lyle. The road was platted and never used.

Ordinances 2007-04 and 2007-05 pertaining to the salary for public works employees were amended to read that the co-employees will receive $247.50 each month for wastewater treatment plant duties and $202.50 each month for all other town maintenance duties.

Other business

"The town cannot continue to do the work that needs to be done at the wastewater treatment plant when people do not pay their bills," said Moore. "The town will file leins against delinquent accounts."

Mark Michael, representing the volunteer fire department, said that the town has traditionally resealed the alley by the station. The council requested he obtain a second estimate for the work.

Carman Excavating has completed work on the sink holes at the wastewater plant.

"Everything is fixed and running good," commented Steve Michael, public works employee.

The town expects to receive reimbursement from FEMA.

Town Marshal Jill Hammond reported that in June the police department issued 31 citations and 19 warnings, did one case report, had 50 calls for service, performed two VIN checks, assisted other agencies 11 times, and investigated one accident.

Moore issued a reminder that all receipts for bills must be submitted to the clerk-treasurer prior to payment.

Moore praised the efforts of Mark Keen, who recently organized a town work day.

Weather cut the day short, but a lot of work was accomplished in a short time," he said. He suggested another work day be set.

Garage sale fees as per town ordinance will be waived during the Fall Festival in September.

Huffer announced that the Carroll County YMCA is sponsoring Silver Sneakers at the Burlington Community Library. Instructors are needed and anyone interested should contact the Y or Huffer.

The next community forum will be July 22 and the next council meeting will be Aug. 12.