New backhoe on the way

CLOVERDALE -- Don Guthrie, utility manager, was given the green light from town council members Tuesday to purchase a CAT backhoe at slightly more than $76,000.

The piece of equipment will be purchased with a five-year loan at 4-percent interest.

The new backhoe will replace a 21-year-old model, which will be traded in at a value of more than $8,000.

Council gave Don Gedert with the Redevelopment Commission consent to reappoint most of the previous redevelopment members.

The commission will consist of Gedert, Jerry Acrea, Charlie Shank, Hobe Nickerson and new member Dewey Garrett.

Garrett replaced Trent Argue due to the traveling schedule of Argue, said Gedert.

Stardust Road from Stardust Hills to the new arena is officially finished. The repaving was finished last month, but the stone shoulders have now been completed.

It was all done with no cost to the taxpayers of Cloverdale or Putnam County, Gedert noted.

Last month, council members agreed to waive the building permit fee of $442.80 for new construction at the fire department. It was brought to their attention that the fee includes the building inspector's fee of $332.10, which must be paid.

Following some discussion, they agreed to waive only the town's portion of the fee -- 25 percent -- and pay the inspector's fee.

A $60 bill from John Davis for some previous computer work at the Town Hall was also discussed among council members.

It is the council's position Davis was not authorized to do the work and therefore they refuse to pay the submitted bill. Council members have chosen to send Davis a letter signed by the council and their attorney stating that fact.

Other approvals included a 2.5 percent increase in town employee's salaries; combine dormant funds of more than $4,000 and transfer it to the general fund; amending the holiday schedule for town employees to Dec. 25-26 for Christmas and Jan. 1-2 for New Years; and renewing Kim Wright's cleaning contract for a third year.

An audience member and Cloverdale resident approached the council regarding his water and sewage bill.

Chad Kelly told members his bill nearly doubled from $47 per month to $87 this last month. He had the meter checked and no leaks were found.

Council member Terry Puffer told Kelly the bill increase would be looked into by Patti Truax, clerk-treasurer, due to no rate changes recently.

In other news, town council members agreed to a joint meeting with park board at 9 a.m. Jan. 24 at Town Hall.

The park has been decorated for the holidays. There are Christmas displays and lights for residents to enjoy.

Wireless Internet has been installed at the park. Service is available at the shelter house near the cabin. It is free for the public to use.

The final town council meeting for 2008 will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 30 at Town Hall.