City workers completing pair of major projects

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

GREENCASTLE -- City workers in both the utility and public works departments have been hard at work on some major projects in the city recently.

At Tuesday's meeting of the Greencastle Common Council, department superintendents reported on their departments' recent projects.

Greencastle Utilities Superintendent George Russell told the board the lift station on North Jackson Street has been totally revamped. Starting last week, contractors took down the old station and replaced all its piping.

The improvement in the station is evident in that it takes about 40 seconds to empty the well now, a task that took five minutes with the old station.

The station was back in operation as of Tuesday.

"Basically the station's done. It's been online since about noon," Russell said.

The Department of Public Works has also been working on a major project. Rains had nearly washed out the road underneath Manhattan Road. near the railroad crossing.

Rock had to be hauled in to support the roadway, and the situation has been fixed for now.

"The danger's over right now, but there still is an existing culvert that needs to be replaced," said Public Works Superintendent Brad Phillips.

The council approved the first reading of an ordinance to declare the intersection of Jackson and Hanna streets a school zone.

The area has heavy pedestrian traffic from DePauw students, so the reduction in speed limit from 30 to 20 mph is one measure to make the intersection safer.

At this time, there are no plans to add any flashing lights to the intersection. Instead, the city will post speed limit signs as well as possibly striping the pavement.

The change will not take place until after the second reading of the ordinance is approved.

Council also approved an ordinance amending the Greencastle Zoning Code regarding landscaping standards. At this time, "non-living landscaping," which can include landscape rock, mulch and other materials can only be used around plantings in residential zones. Under the changes, the standard will also apply to commercial districts.

Council also requested two requests for street closures.

The Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau requested the closures of Walnut Street from Jackson to Indiana and Indiana from Walnut to Franklin for the Sidewalk Chalk Art Bash. The closures will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 18, with a rain date of Oct. 3.

Hollie Wyatt requested the closure of Indiana Street from Washington to Franklin from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 for Community Fundraiser Day. The event will make space available to every not-for-profit organization in the county to do any kind of fundraising.

"If they're all together with a larger crowd, more money will be brought in for their causes," Wyatt said. "I thought if we could bring them all together, it would be beneficial."

Council also approved five resolutions regarding the statements of benefits for Heartland Automotive's tax abatements. The statements indicate that Heartland remains in compliance with the terms of various tax abatements it has received between 2000 and 2009.

Mayor Sue Murray and Clerk-Treasurer Teresa Glenn also reminded council members that budget season is rapidly approaching. The council will meet in a special session at 4 p.m. Aug. 25 to begin budget discussions.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: