A new fee might be set for residents who don’t get their trash out in time for regular collections and request a special pickup.
At the council’s March 28 meeting, Town Manager Kevin Slick proposed a $40 special pickup fee to cover fuel, truck and worker expenses.
After a search, Slick said he’s found records of customers paying $5 to $25 for special pickups, but can’t find the town having a written policy.
Council President Dan Wandersee said residents should have trash out by 6 a.m. to avoid being missed if crews change routes unexpectedly or start earlier in summer.
Town attorney Ed Martin will be consulted for next steps.
Public hearing set
The council will conduct a public hearing at 7 p.m. April 11 to discuss plans to reapply for a $500,000 grant to renovate Fire Station 1. The hearing, followed immediately by the council’s monthly meeting, will take place at town hall.
Councilor Josh Tudor said more than “a small chunk” of money must be spent on the building to install an exhaust system and fire alarm system, for instance, so pursuing Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs support will help offset those necessary expenses.
Other goals include adding a truck bay, plus renovating current space into men’s and women’s accessible restrooms, showers and a larger training room.
The council voted 4-0 on a resolution authorizing the town’s match commitment of $225,000 if selected. David Cate was absent.
Councilor Jack Bodiker said $1.2 million would be ideal for the project, but they’d focus on the greatest needs with a lower budget.
In other business
- Terry Ford, Centerville’s building commissioner, has resigned after accepting another position. The town is seeking a new commissioner to issue permits for building, roofing, plumbing, electrical work, fencing and demolition. The commissioner works with the town’s Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Commission and is in charge of town maps.
- Main Street Centerville and Love Well, a collaboration of churches, are teaming for a town cleanup at 9 a.m. April 22. They need more volunteers.
- Council conducted a second reading to create unrestricted ($26,711.24) and restricted ($63,236.16) funds for the town’s share of opioid settlement money.
- Council authorized Police Chief Ed Buchholz to buy a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado pursuit vehicle he found in Cleveland for $45,748.76 with American Rescue Plan fund money. The purchase of an existing vehicle avoids an uncertain delivery date for an order.
- Slick presented three bids for a skid loader with a gravel bucket. Council approved the lowest, $59,097, from New Holland.
- Centerville Fire/Rescue is organizing an Easter Egg hunt at 3 p.m. April 15 in Maplewood Park.
- Indiana Municipal Power Agency has started engineering for the town’s electrical system upgrade. The council is seeking help in funding the work.
- Use of the town’s electric vehicle chargers at Warm Glow increased last week during spring break travel.
A version of this article appeared in the April 5 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.