Hedge gives council follow up on water main break

GREENCASTLE -- Following the Friday break of a 10-inch water main along U.S. 231 (North Jackson St.), water service has been restored to the area, but big repairs are coming in the spring.

Utilities superintendent Richard Hedge told the council at its Tuesday meeting that water for the Monon restaurant, Humphrey's Outdoor Power, Muffler Connection and three nearby houses is now coming from a different water main.

However, the 10-inch main that originally caused the problem remains out of service for approximately 500 feet, capped at each end.

Hedge said work on determining the extent of the damage cannot be done until at least mid-March to be clear of freezing and thawing. There are multiple options for exactly how to go about the work of replacing the main.

"Worst case scenario, we'll be replacing 500 feet of line from the valve to where the crack is," Hedge said.

Additionally, the work is complicated because the line crosses under U.S. 231 diagonally as well as passing under the railroad.

Councilors praised utility workers for their efforts in the matter, as well as public works employees for the long days they've put in clearing the streets of snow.

Mayor Sue Murray read a letter she received from Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman notifying the city of a $46,620 planning grant from Small Cities and Towns Community Development Block Grant program.

The money will go toward renderings of downtown buildings to inform building owners of façade restoration opportunities available to them.

The council also organized for the year, keeping largely the same appointments and schedule.

The council will continue to meet at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Greencastle City Hall. Adam Cohen will remain president.

"I think Adam has served us well," councilor Phyllis Rokicki said.

The council also kept its appointments, assignments and department liaisons the same.

Jim Ruark and Erica Gilmore were willing to continue on the Greencastle Redevelopment Commission. Mark Hammer will remain assigned to the plan commission as well as being the public services and planning department liaison. Rokicki remains assigned to the park board and the parks department liaison. T.J. Smith will serve on the tree board and Putnam County 911 as well as be liaison to the fire department and utility department. Jinsie Bingham will serve on the economic development commission and Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center, as well as be the Forest Hill Cemetery liaison. Cohen will serve on cable access and as the police department liaison.

Council will also retain city attorney Laurie Hardwick as its Chamber of Commerce representative and Therese Cunningham on the Putnam County Community Foundation.