Bainbridge Council members dispute potential park property
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.