Bainbridge Council members dispute potential park property

Thursday, October 15, 2015

BAINBRIDGE -- What was expected to be a run-of-the-mill town hall meeting Wednesday night in Bainbridge turned out to be anything but.

Though several residents were in favor of the town purchasing Leon and Donna Tippin's east-side property for use as a park, the issue was ultimately tabled (in a rather unusual way) pending further investigation and discussion.

The Tippins had recently delivered a proposal to the town board to consider the property for use as a park.

Designs by Donna and Friends, a small business on the property, is currently in use as the site for the town's annual Covered Bridge Festival and is seen as suitable site by many. However, there was some opposition, as stated by Councilman Joel Thompson, by "everyone he has spoken to," though none were present. Instead, six other residents voiced their opinions in favor of the development.

Councilman Chuck McElwee initially presented the proposal and motioned to approve but did not receive a second from either councilmen Thompson or Jerry Lents on the three-member panel. Although the proposal was opened for discussion and received favorable comments from Bainbridge residents John Kessinger, Robert and Laurie Hensley, Scott Curran, Tom Hagymasi and Jason Hartman, the matter still did not receive a second, leading to its postponement and a "failure" in the voting process.

Lents said he is concerned of possible problems the town may face due to price and the replacement of an existing septic tank on the property. Lents moved to table the issue until the next meeting on Nov. 11. However, McElwee then would not vote due to the failure of the first motion. Regardless, Lents motioned again to table the discussion with he and Thompson alone approving the action by a 2-0 vote.

Bainbridge residents are encouraged to discuss the matter ahead of the Nov. 11 session.

Other action taken

* Ordinance 2015-8, an ordinance providing a backflow-prevention system for the town's public water system, was adopted upon its first reading. The motion carried by a unanimous 3-0 vote.

* Ordinance 2015-9, one that sets salaries and wages for town employees in 2016, was adopted after its second reading with a unanimous 3-0 vote.

* Ordinance 2015-10, concerning the town's budget for 2016, carried with a unanimous 3-0 vote after its second reading.

In other news

* Resident Tara Smith inquired if the council would consider selling a 2.6-acre lot on the town's north side. However, the council advised that the acreage was originally purchased for development. Smith was advised to develop a proposal ahead of next month's meeting.

* Bainbridge Improvement Society member Thursa Evens reported that it is currently renting inside-vendor space during the bridge festivals. Evens stated that the Jonah Fish Fry will take place on Oct. 24, though an exact time is yet to be determined; Evens announced that Gleaner's Food Bank will begin making monthly stops in Bainbridge and that volunteers are needed. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact town hall at 522-6238.

* Utility Board President Jeff Kiger filled in for Superintendent Troy Elless (vacation) on Wednesday, reporting that utility employees have been working diligently on storm drains for the past week on West Vine Street and are nearing completion; Kiger reported that the newly-constructed solar farm located at North Putnam High School is complete and was, at the time, set to be commissioned on Thursday, Oct. 15 -- a ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for sometime the first week of November; Kiger said the Electric Territory Project is now complete; and lastly, Kiger stated that the utility board is considering "bringing billing and collections back in-house."

* Marshal Rodney Fenwick presented a monthly police activity report and advised that Bainbridge Deputy Dena DeLaCruz, the town's first-ever female law-enforcement officer, has resigned from the police department; Fenwick asked that Jerry Ensor be appointed as a reserve deputy, for whom the board requested a resumé prior to approval.

The next meeting for the Bainbridge town hall will be Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.

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  • I want to thank Joe Thompson and Jerry Lents for their non vote

    on the stopping of the of the town purchasing Leon and Donna Tippin's east-side property for use as a park. There has been

    little input from the State Conservation Office made available

    to the town so we know what is required in the purchase of

    this property. We need to have a State Conservation represenative present the requirements of the town for the purchase. In addition the requirements on the maintenance of a park and what the cost would be. A general town hall meeting with the state and the towns people would be benificial to clear up any question one may have.

    -- Posted by atsb4445 on Fri, Oct 16, 2015, at 5:58 AM
  • Seems like a very expensive purchase along with probable need to hire a park maintenance man/crew. Times are hard and no relief is in site so I say this isn't a time for such a purchase. One opinion and I do respect differing opinions.

    -- Posted by Trying hard on Fri, Oct 16, 2015, at 10:46 AM
  • It was already said at a town board meeting that play ground equipment was not going to be allowed on that property. And there would be no life guard on duty so if a child or an adult drowns who's fault is it going to be. The town owns enough property in town that they could put a play ground on for the children. If town people don't know the pro's and con's of what is going to be allowed on the property they may be disappointed if it is purchased and people can't do anything on the property.

    -- Posted by birdee53 on Fri, Oct 16, 2015, at 10:17 PM
  • I didn't realize there would be no play equipment so I ask what is the point of a Park? What happens to the house and existing buildings? No lifeguards or attendant on duty means the lake would only be used for bank fishing. Greencastle has a Park they call the old JC Park , take a trip and see for your self what becomes of a Park you simply do not need. Greencastle has also left areas of their main Park without supervision and it has become a place that is NOT family friendly- Skate Area has become a hang out with questionable activity. This property has been for sale for quite awhile and I suggest the Council make a great big PASS on the purchase.

    -- Posted by Trying hard on Sat, Oct 17, 2015, at 9:15 AM
  • Atsb4445 and birdee53 are JOEL Thompson's daughter and wife. Just FYI.

    -- Posted by BGTeach on Sun, Feb 14, 2016, at 9:32 AM
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