Centerville sees support for $50K grant

Centerville leaders are gathering residents’ support before applying for $50,000 to update plans guiding future decisions and growth. 

Before its Aug. 13 regular meeting, council conducted a public hearing to collect comments for its application to Indiana’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The town’s share for Lochmueller Group’s work would be $9,600. 

The town’s current plan is 21 years old, and most items were completed earlier than expected or aren’t relevant today, said council President Dan Wandersee.  

Wandersee said Centerville has a huge need for housing, and updated information would be helpful.

Comprehensive plans address everything from roads to parks and land use. Businesses review them as they’re considering communities. 

Councilor Jack Bodiker said Centerville’s population increased more than any other Wayne County community, based on the 2010 and 2020 U.S. Census, and an updated plan would be money well spent. 

Bettering Centerville could improve home values, attract additional businesses and positively impact all of Wayne County and beyond, Bodiker said.  

Kent Anderson of Kenna Consulting told residents that his company helps the town apply for a lot of grants, but none are as important as this for the town’s future. 

Chloe Brown, representing Main Street Centerville, recommended creating a park board and using research previously conducted through Purdue University about accessibility and beautification efforts. 

Brown urged more residents to get involved in making decisions and join Main Street’s brief monthly online Zoom meetings.

Councilor Josh Tudor said he’s pleased that local improvement projects gain residents’ attention through social media, but additional in-person participation is needed.   

Gary Holbert said when he joined council in 1996, nothing was in Maplewood Park besides rabbits and squirrels, and today’s assets are a reminder of what can be accomplished when people open their eyes and work with their hands. 

In other business

• Maintenance on Centerville’s east water tower is complete. Council approved paying $208,352. The west tower was drained Aug. 12 for similar work.
• Friends of Dennis Spears are organizing a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at Fire Station 1, 414 N. Morton Ave., until supplies run out. Donations offset the retired fire chief’s medical bills. 
• Council approved the lower of two bids ($6,890) from Andrew Roberts Construction for a podium in the new town hall.  
• Fire Chief Andy Aughe attended Indiana’s fire chiefs academy and earned one state and three national certifications. 
• In July, Centerville Fire/Rescue conducted 76 runs for fires, medical emergencies, accidents, etc. 
• Archway Days organizers worked out logistics with town officials for the Aug. 23-24 festival.   
• Police investigated one vehicle theft and another theft in July and made one arrest each for operating while intoxicated and public intoxication. Five accidents were investigated. From 61 vehicle stops, 47 tickets were issued. 
• Wayne County Railroaders has added anti-skid strips and restained the deck around its restored caboose. Staying open until 7 p.m. on the second Saturday during the farmers market in Maplewood Park increased caboose visitation by about 50%. 
• Council will conduct a work session at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 220 E. Main St., Centerville. The public is invited.