Roachdale seeking grant for Community Center Improvements Project

Already the site of a beautiful new mural thanks in part to grant funding, the former TDS Telecommunications building in Roachdale could undergo further changes if a grant request is approved by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

Banner Graphic file photo

ROACHDALE -- The Roachdale Town Council approved Resolution 1-2018 to submit a public facilities program application to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs for the Community Center Improvements Project.

The building that will serve as the future Roachdale Community Center is located at 204 N. Indiana St., which also hosts the Roachdale Town Mural. It was donated by TDS Telecom, the local phone and internet service, which had used the building for its regional corporate offices.

In total, the project is expected to cost $556,300. The town is applying for $500,000 in grant funds, with the balance constituting local match ($5,000 in previously paid preliminary engineering; $2,000 in previously paid land surveying; $11,823 in philanthropic capital held by the Putnam County Community Foundation and $37,477 from town EDIT funds).

The final application will be submitted Feb. 9, and the town will know by April 5 whether it received the grant.

In other news:

-- Claims: The council approved claims at a total of $240,411.75.

-- Community Crossings Grant: The council approved collecting bids for repairing town roads, a project which will be funded by the Community Crossings Grant. The grant from the Indiana Department of Transporation (INDOT) in the amount of $496,710, was received in October. The bids will be presented during the council's next regular meeting.

-- Fencing: After the State Board of Accounts would not allow the town to pay for work in advance, the council approved two bids from Lowe's Custom Fencing, of Ladoga, to repair fence at the sewer plant for $6,030 and at the water tower for $325. Both bids were cheaper than the originals.

-- Noise Ordinance: The council reviewed Ordinance 6-2014, which regulates noise within town limits, and suggested changes more specific to lawn care, increased fines and exemptions. The council is set to vote on the changes at its next regular meeting.

-- Officers: The council nominated Zach Bowers president. The council also nominated David Peebles as town attorney.

-- Roachdale Police Department: The Roachdale Police Department responded to calls for: two traffic crashes, one domestic disturbance/violence, two thefts (larcenies), one traffic violation, one DUI, one cardiac arrest, two suspicious persons or activities/wanted persons.

The RPD also responded to calls for: one abduction/kidnapping, one disturbance/nuisance, one abuse/abandonment/neglect, two structure fires, one animal general/livestock loose, one convulsion seizure, one general criminal mischief, one burglary, one child custody, one mental disorder/behavioral problem/suicide and one intrusion/panic alarm.

The RPD also performed 28 traffic stops, one citizen assist, three agency assists and served two warrants.

-- Salt Truck: The council approved a bid of $3,775 for a salt hopper and $2,100 for a truck bed from Detro Trailers. The council also approved a $1,500 bid from Haw Creek Diesel, of Ladoga, to remove the old truck bed and install the new.

-- Utility Superintendent: The council approved the resignation of Utility Superintendent Ronnie Campbell effective Jan. 19. Campbell has accepted a position at the Bainbridge town marshal. Town Marshal Mark Mahoy and Clerk-Treasurer Debbie Sillery will manage utlities until a replacement can be found.

The Roachdale Town Council's next regular meeting is set for Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Roachdale Town Hall at 205 N. Indiana St., Roachdale.