Contractor, engineer to replace washed out pipe in Fillmore

Friday, August 7, 2015
A drainage tile on the property of C.J. and Beverly Huller of Fillmore was completely washed out by a torrential downpour last month. The contractor and engineer who oversaw the pipe installation in 2013 have agreed to foot be bill to replace the pipe. (Courtesy photo)

FILLMORE -- After council members expressed their commitment to replace a washed-out pipe on Thursday evening, the Town of Fillmore got a good piece of news Friday morning.

After reviewing the washed-out pipe in the town's south side, the engineering firm and construction company involved in the town's 2013 stormwater project will foot the bill to replace the 48-inch tile.

The problem came to the town's attention after the pipe fell apart following one of July's torrential downpours.

C.J. and Beverly Huller own the land at 317 S. Main St., and the pipe is near the back of their 26-acre property. The Huller initially contacted Councilman Meridith Trusty and also wrote a letter requesting the town or the contractors take action.

The location of the pipe is especially important to the Hullers, as it is the only way across the ravine and therefore the only way to get their corn picker from one side to the other.

Initial discussion on Thursday indicated that the engineering and construction firms may not bear the cost, as the one-year warranty on such a project expired last year.

Regardless, council members said they would make it right for the Hullers.

"We're going to have to fix it, one way or the other," Councilman Curt Leonard said.

"I think we should," Trusty chimed in.

Council President Alan Jones shared the same thought, but drawing on his decades working for the state highway department, Jones said the pipe was not installed correctly, so those who installed and inspected it should bear the blame.

Engineering firm Curry & Associates as well as construction company Eagle Valley Inc. apparently agreed. Jones contacted the Banner Graphic Friday morning, saying the two companies would take care of repairs, including pouring the proper anchors for the pipe.

Beverly Huller said she and her husband are pleased with the responsiveness of the town and the two firms to a negative situation.

"We felt like the people that put it in didn't do something right," Huller said. "We're very, very happy how this has turned out."

In other business:

* Several residents of East Street requested the closure of the north end of the street, thus making it a dead end.

East Street is only two blocks long, running from Cemetery Road in the south to North Street. Given its location, it serves as a bit of a shortcut for Dixie Chopper and Liberty Industries employees who go to the Hoosier Pete gas station on their lunch break.

Additionally, a number of semis have attempted to use the street.

The intention is to place concrete barriers near the north end of the street, thus closing it to through traffic.

Board members and Town Attorney Mary Russell are going to review the issue and an potential problems with existing town laws before making a final decision.

In the meantime, Leonard, who resides on the street, is going to circulate a petition to ensure there is sufficient support from the residents of the street.

The matter will return to the agenda during an upcoming meeting.

* Utilities Manager Joe Cash requested that council members not sign off on final approval of the water tower painting project until the inside of the tank has been power washed and chlorinated. Although most of the painting project has been done since early summer, the tank has continued to sit empty awaiting the repainting of the cardinal on the side.

The delay has been caused by the excessive rain this summer, as even a hint of rain or wind causes problems for the painting crews.

Cash believes the interior cleaning is now necessary due to the time the tower has been dormant.

Additionally, Cash reported that the town's main lift station will only operate one pump, so a part of it will need to be rebuilt.

* Town Marshal Darrel Bunten reported that he and Deputy Marshal Nick Eastham, both of whom are also Greencastle Police officers, are currently working days in both Greencastle and Fillmore.

Additionally, Bunten reported that his force of reserves is up to four officers.

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