Bainbridge discusses town improvements

BAINBRIDGE -- The June meeting of the Bainbridge Town Council Wednesday was dominated by conversations regarding a new utility payment program, the flushing of the town's water pipes, grant applications and Fourth of July fireworks.

The new utility payment plan aims to update the current method of payment to match the modern status quo, allowing credit card and online payments to be made by citizens from a home computer or smart phone.

The board spoke at length regarding various details of the program and how it will affect citizens positively or negatively as the transition takes place.

"We're trying to think through every possible scenario," town clerk-treasurer Jason Hartman said. "There will be hiccups. There always are."

The new billing system, while providing ease-of-use for many, will also require doing away with the town's ability to take direct cash payments, something likely to be a hurdle for a number of residents.

The new program will allow for debit and credit card payments, online checks and will retain the traditional mail-in process for checks or money orders.

June will mark the last "overlap" month in which both the old and new payment systems are allowed, making July the first month that Bainbridge citizens must pay their bills exclusively through the new program.

Persons with questions about the new payment options may contact the office of the clerk-treasurer at 522-6238.

Meanwhile, the Bainbridge Utility Board is scheduled to flush the town's hydrants beginning the morning of Tuesday, July 8 and continuing until the end of the day Wednesday, July 9.

Flushing hydrants ensures that the town can maintain a high quality water supply, it was noted.

Residents should note that they may experience a decrease in water pressure during these times. If darker-colored water appears to be running in a household, residents should note it will be temporary and are advised not to wash light-colored clothing while the water is running dark.

In other action, the board approved Hartman's request to apply for a grant that would provide up to $250,000 to be used for the renovation of owner-occupied homes throughout Bainbridge.

The town would have to match 10 percent of the grant total and would be responsible for establishing the criteria to determine who would qualify for funds.

The board agreed to pursue this grant and seek out a grant administrator to assist in applying for the grant and suggested using Jerrell Consulting, a firm the town has used in the past.

The board approved donating $1,000 to the Mortonville Fourth of July fireworks show. The money comes from the town's promotion budget and will support a fireworks show that has been well received in the past.

"I heard nothing but good things about the show last year," board member Joel Thompson said.

Hartman was happy to inform the board that, for the first time in his decade as the town treasurer, town employee health insurance premiums actually went down.

The 32 percent decrease was credited to the Affordable Care Act, providing better coverage with lower deductibles for town employees.

In other business:

* The board accepted the low bid from Wabash Valley Asphalt Co. to pave and repair a portion of Washington Street for $38,950. The portion slated for repair runs south 540 feet from the intersection of Washington and Main streets.

* The board discussed Main Street sidewalk repairs and attempts to fix deteriorating portions of the sidewalk through an incentive program that allows residents pay only 50 percent of the total cost. The town discussed trying to work with one remaining resident who decided he did not want to participate in the program when it was mentioned last year.

* The board discussed changing the current system, which has the Bainbridge Police Department responding to calls at North Putnam Schools, stating that it costs the citizens of Bainbridge additional money to cover non-emergency scenarios. The board discussed the possibility of contracting out services, but ultimately decided that Bainbridge Police should be used for emergency services only.

* Hartman brought forth the possibility of receiving compensation from FEMA for some of the overtime for town employees, equipment operation and supplies used during the harsh winter.

The Bainbridge Town Council holds monthly board meetings at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Next month's board meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 9.