Cloverdale Council conditionally approves revitalization plan

CLOVERDALE-- The town council voted to go forward with a downtown revitalization plan, if they can get earmarked funds to match their investment.

At the last utility board meeting, the council heard a presentation from Candice Bernier with the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns regarding a revitalization project for downtown Cloverdale. The project would create an action plan to improve the downtown area with step-by-step instructions after an involved survey process.

"I visited with some downtown folks and one of the main concerns people expressed to me is if they sign on the project, they want everyone to join forces together," councilmember Don Sublett said.

The grant requires the town to put up around $15,000, which would be matched by earmarked funds. There is one other town in the running for the funds, which are available on a first come, first serve basis.

"They would define our community, quantify the economic realities and specify a strategy for success. Basically they're going to come in and tell us what we need to do and a path forward," Council President Cathy Tipton said.

As a part of efforts to build a new pole barn, the council heard two bids to alter the electronic work at the site of the barns. Gilman Electric won with a bid of $885.00

"If I can get this approved and we have the electric moved, (the construction company) is ready to order the lumber. We've been moving the dirt and stuff this week when we can," interim-utility manager Ken Saucerman said.

The council also approved spending $200 for delivery of supplies for the barn.

Cathy Tipton expressed gratitude to Saucerman and the other town employees for their work during the recent bad weather.

"I personally want to thank you and all of the people that have helped with the streets and everything. You guys have worked a lot of long hours and it is very much appreciated," Tipton said.

Tipton and the rest of the council also expressed gratitude to building inspector Mark Cassida for his work the previous year. At a recent meeting, the council and Cassida commended Cloverdale clerk/treasurer Cathleen Monaco for her work since assuming that job.

Rod Garrett with the park board spoke with the town council. He said the park board hoped to combine funds left over from the previous year with their budget for this year to re-pave the park's basketball court. The council also reviewed lawn-mowing procedures with Garrett.

The council approved a variety of accounts payable and payroll checks presented by Monaco. One claim docket for checks that had been issued was dated Jan. 22 in the amount of $24,452.82 another was dated Jan. 31 in the amount of $53,354.33. A third claim docket for checks that have not yet been issued was Feb. 8 in the amount of $59.344.98. Payroll checks issued on Jan. 28 totaled $19,287.03. The council approved all of the payments.

Cassida was on hand when the council opened sealed bids to demolish properties at 37 Play Way in Stardust Hills and at 41 Lazy River Road in Stardust Hills. The bid to tear down the building at Play Way went to Roberts Construction for $3,920 and the bid for the building at Lazy River Road was $487.50 by Ottawa Instant Homes, Inc. Cassida also mentioned the possibility of a sale on the abandoned Cloverdale Inn.

The council also approved town attorney Alan Yackey to begin legal action against four homes that have not cleaned their yards in a reasonable time.

The council approved Tom Pitman to act as a bond lawyer in the town's efforts to secure funding to repair the stand pipe or water tower. The council also mentioned there was a good chance that a bank could work with them to obtain funding, which could make a property tax increase to pay for the repairs less likely.