Recycling grant, project updates fill Hagerstown Council meeting

Business owner and former park ranger Jessica Gregory’s environmentally sound proposal was one of many items approved at the Dec. 1 Hagerstown town council meeting. Gregory submitted a request to the town to apply for a 100% reimbursable grant for tire recycling. 

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management grant secures $10,000 to purchase equipment and resources to host a tire-recycling event. The proposed event could be opened to the county, allowing eight residential tires per household. The goal is to collect a total of 2,400 tires. Applications are accepted starting Dec. 14 through Jan. 14. If selected, volunteers would aim to host a spring event, with another in the fall if necessary. 

In other business, the board approved an upcoming wage and salary ordinance effective in February 2026; approved the deposit of a new vehicle excise tax; and approved rescinding a $5 facility charge. The town’s agreement with Jefferson Township firefighters was also approved.

Town manager Chris LaMar received council approval for a trailer ordinance preventing permanent parking of large utility vehicles (campers, trailers, etc.) on residential streets. LaMar also received approval for continued legal services in 2026.  

Council members Chris Blaase and Brian Longbons both commended the fire department on its new kitchen and the success of its annual chili dinner fundraiser. The event raised $2,400.

Other meeting items included:

• Parks and Recreation’s updates on the new dog park and softball/baseball diamond upkeep
• The fire department announced its latest recruit, McKenzie Shook
• Updates on road repavement related to the water line project
• Recommendation to make a part-time employee full-time was tabled for later discussion 
• Future education on ceasing to use flushable wipes to alleviate recent sewage issues 
• The Airport Board’s change of how leftover funds are redistributed was tabled at a later date
• The 2026 schedule for regular meetings, holidays and utility reports was approved
• Invoices for Wagner Engineering and EarthWorks were approved

Town hall will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 6. The public may attend.