A travel center with fast food could open in Centerville if a developer’s idea comes to fruition.
Entrepreneurs are pursuing a site on the southwest corner of Centerville Road and Interstate 70, just west of Warm Glow Candle Outlet.
Representatives already have local knowledge because they’re currently operating the Quality Inn and Conference Center in Richmond.
They’re also making improvements to a newly acquired Kokomo fuel station, which is among their other hotels and gas stations around the Midwest, Florida and New York.
They told Centerville council members at their April 25 meeting that as Interstate 70 is widening, the new plaza could help keep truckers safer. They also want to see how they can partner with the town, creating a win-win for both parties.
The Centerville center would include fuel and possibly electric vehicle chargers.
Council President Dan Wandersee asked for developers to provide additional details as they become available. He suggested they also communicate with the Indiana Department of Transportation about their interest soon as the I-70 expansion project nears.
Bookkeeping for fire grant application
Council voted 5-0 to write off a negative balance of about $160,000 in the town’s trash account because that negative balance lost “a ton” of points on the application for a $500,000 state grant to renovate the town’s fire station, Wandersee said.
Staff from the State Board of Accounts suggested the write-off to Clerk-Treasurer Richard Tincher. The paperwork discrepancy happened several years ago, and no money is missing or owed to an outside party, council said.
Previous town officials separated trash collection expenses from sewer costs when state officials decided trash costs could no longer be paid from the town’s general fund. Much of the expense is for a trash truck bought a few years ago.
Council previously had voted for the write-off, but it had not yet occurred.
Councilor Gary Holbert urged putting money aside now for the next trash truck.
Other business
Parades: Council approved repeating the parade route through town after Centerville Senior High School’s June 4 graduation. The parade could start by 3:30 to 4 p.m. Wayne County veterans also are encouraged to register to participate at no cost in the Armed Forces Day parade at 6 p.m. May 20.
Equipment replacements: Council granted Town Manager Kevin Slick’s request to purchase a new John Deere mower with American Rescue Plan funds because some are at least 12 years old.
In addition, a quote was obtained for replacing eight office computers that are about eight years old, possibly using COVID relief funds. Deputy Clerk Sarah Rice noted the computers have no sound for webinars and she must bring in her personal computer. Slick will check to see if utility computers need replacing too. The topic was tabled until the next meeting (7 p.m. May 9).
Membership: Council renewed its Main Street Centerville membership for $75.
Representation: Wandersee was selected to serve as representative on a regional planning board. Quarterly attendance is needed to be eligible for future grant opportunities.
A version of this article appeared in the May 3 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.