Centerville gets 1 bid to rent former town hall

Centerville’s library faces no opposition in its bid to rent the former town hall during its upcoming renovation.

At council’s May 27 work session, Clerk-Treasurer Sarah Rice opened the lone bid from library leaders. They bid $1,825 per month ($21,900 for the year), which appraisals determined is the required fair market value.

No one spoke during the public hearing, and council agreed to take the bid under advisement for Ed Martin, town attorney, to review.

In other business

• It was Ed Buchholz’ last council meeting to attend as police chief before his retirement. Rice was to swear in new chief Josh Millsaps on May 31.

Councilor Josh Tudor, who works in law enforcement in a nearby community, acknowledged Buchholz’s departure. He said Buchholz had offered stability for the town, his retirement after 30-plus years with the department is well deserved, and “everybody owes you a big thanks.”

Council President Dan Wandersee asked, “Can’t talk you out of it?” Buchholz answered no. Both smiled.

• Town Manager Kevin Slick received council’s permission to sign its previously discussed $51,600 agreement with Lochmueller Group for comprehensive planning services. The vote was 3-0; Jack Bodiker and David Cate were absent.
• Slick also received council’s permission to hire Lochmueller for $27,500 to start planning for future wastewater projects.
• Building Commissioner Gerald Millsaps said renewed efforts to get rid of abandoned vehicles are underway. He said the town is still having a problem with people not mowing their lawns, but most have complied when contacted.
• Now the legislative session has ended, fire chief Andy Aughe received council’s consent to resume researching the possibility of paying for part-time daytime fire station staffing. A few months ago, Aughe said it’s hard to find volunteer firefighters available during the day if needed.
• Council conducted a first reading on three ordinances, with a second reading likely at council’s 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, meeting in town hall, 220 E. Main St.

One repeals a 2015 ordinance that adopted net energy metering for the town’s electric utility. No customer opted to use net metering. Thus, the second amendment establishes interconnection standards for renewable electric generation systems. Customers who produce excess energy will sell it to Indiana Municipal Power Agency through a power purchase agreement between them and IMPA.

The third establishes an annual $5.95 pole attachment rental fee for cable, internet, TV and other providers. Town employees will ensure the pole can safely accept the weight before issuing the permit.

• A public hearing will take place at council’s June 10 meeting regarding a proposed additional appropriation.
• Two free Maplewood Park public events: The town’s farmer market will be open Saturdays from 4-7 p.m. starting June 7. Wayne County Railroaders’ 118th birthday party for its caboose is from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, June 14.
• Wandersee said council received criticism on social media about Centerville Senior High School being unable to conduct a parade for graduating seniors. Wandersee said no school representatives asked council to consider approving the event, but if they had, it would have been approved. Wandersee said council approves parade requests after confirming police and fire department leaders have no safety concerns such as traffic management.