Fountain City’s Joe Longfellow sees recent heavy rain as acts of God. But a utilities issue was his concern at the Aug. 4 town council meeting. Longfellow, who lives on U.S. Highway 27, said that hours after rainfall recedes, his yard and basement flood with septic tank residue. The backup has occurred twice — July 11 and Aug. 1 — without a response from the town’s utilities team.
Longfellow was not the only one with similar concerns. Kyle Ross, who lives on South Street, experienced massive flooding in his yard due to overflow of a culvert behind his home. If the culvert is indeed damaged, utilities supervisor David Allen said that would be an issue for DNR to examine.
Dave Harris, who lives on Front Street, has been a Fountain City resident for 30 years. He admitted some flooding is normal, but said he’s never seen it this bad. He wondered if plugged or damaged storm drains are part of the problem.
Council member Michael Gray requested Longfellow submit a written report detailing the issues for Allen to review, and the town will arrange for Indiana EarthWorks to examine Ross’ yard.
New business
Stephania Haager, owner of The Eatery, 406 U.S. Highway 27, requested to operate a food truck at the park for a later date. This requires an ordinance to determine vendor fee and other terms and conditions. Town attorney John Moynihan said he would forward the council a sample ordinance to adapt and provide Haager with an update by next month.
The council renewed a contract with Whitewater Community Television for July 2026 through June 2027. WCTV livestreams and records the council meetings on its YouTube channel.
Unfinished business
Council discussed three ordinances and tabled two for further review. One concerned preventing horse manure on public streets. The council had looked into a device, such as a manure bag or horse apron, but currently no device exists, according to Clerk-Treasurer Trina McGuire.
The second restricted semi trucks loading and unloading on E. Cherry/Water Street due to complaints of property damage. President Laurie Hayes thanked Rob Martin for clarifying at the July 7 meeting that gooseneck trailers caused damages. Moynihan provided sample ordinances for review. The third ordinance highlighted property maintenance related to unsafe buildings. Moynihan reviewed a 2021 ordinance they could update for future use.
Council approved a special meeting on Aug. 18 to host Forward Wayne County’s Acacia St. John. The meeting will discuss eligibility for grant funding to improve the city’s park. Hayes explained the grant would require them to hold a fundraiser, and the state would match up to $50,000. Hayes encouraged all to attend as the park is for everyone, not just Fountain City residents.
Lastly, Hayes made a plea for residents to seek grants to target neglected and blighted properties. As a lifelong resident, Hayes said she is dismayed that some properties are not only unpleasant to see, but could be dangerous.
Department reports
Gray reported the police department is up to date on mandated training and repaired issues with department vehicles.
Allen reported the transmission for the city’s Dodge needs repair. The council approved a quote with Cate’s Auto for $6,475.50. Other quotes were from All-Around Auto ($6,537.65) and Speedy Pete’s ($6,588.47). Repairs will take a few days once started.
Council approved Allen’s request to purchase one skid of coal patch from Sealmaster for $1,075.00. And council approved Sam Minniear, streets supervisor, to attend a seven-week wastewater course in Winchester for $400.
Claims were approved and the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m., 312 W. Main St. The public may attend.
A version of this article appeared in the August 12 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
