Cloverdale train depot restoration moving forward

The Cloverdale train depot as it appeared Thursday morning. Work to restore it from its current disrepair is under way.

Banner Graphic/Brand Selvia

CLOVERDALE -- With the goal of stopping and reversing further deterioration, a restoration of the historic train depot in Cloverdale is now in progress.

Bill Mentgen is currently doing the work on the depot, but asked for guidance on specific design details and changes. The Cloverdale Town Council considered these during a special meeting held Tuesday evening.

Council President Larry Fidler added that Mentgen gave him a figure on replacing the depot’s current decking with concrete. Council Vice President Jay also said the current wood was rotted, and that concrete steps with a powder-coated steel railing made “more sense” with future maintenance.

With regard to changing out the depot’s doors, Fidler said that the main entrance could be period with glass so that people inside can see who comes up. The other doors would be solid.

Another element considered and then tabled was the color that the train depot could be. Fidler presented two photos of the depot being a cream color in its original location, before it was moved around the early 1970s.

As far as the restoration’s cost, it stands at $38,000 with window fixes, door changes and the concrete included in with other work being done. The project as a whole was previously budgeted at $50,000.

The council approved the concrete, door and window changes as additional appropriations, with Gary Bennington abstaining.

The depot was deeded years ago to the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce, with the stipulation that it would strictly be used as an educational outlet. The chamber then deeded it to the town, with rented offices having been located there.

Town Attorney Daniel Hofmann and the council also gave an update on the county considering a takeover of local inspections after the departure of former Building Inspector Wayne Galloway. Fidler said the discussions had between him, Jay and the Putnam County Commissioners were “positive,” but that details needed to be worked out.

One individual asked if the town would go completely under the county’s rules when it comes to zoning and planning, pointing out that Cloverdale has a comprehensive plan. He was mainly concerned with relinquishing control of these elements if the county might have a “different plan” than Cloverdale needs.

Stardust Hills developer Don Gedert opined that zoning within the town’s corporate limits should stand, otherwise “major changes” would have to be made to the town’s ordinances. Fidler added that Cloverdale’s setback requirements had to be adhered to, but that state and county needs would be synced.

Hofmann ultimately stated that the town was trying to see if the county was interested in taking over inspections, and that discussing details at this point was “premature.” The commissioners’ next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 1.

In other business, Samantha Hinman provided an update on where the town stands with its new Keystone payroll system. She said that the transfer of information had been completed, and that the first round of checks had been printed.

Council member Rick Dearwester asked Hinman if records that were kept on the ADP system could be accessed. Hofmann stepped in and said that the town would be able to.

The council also approved a request by Hofmann to pay an invoice for $450 to cover a recent flow meter calibration at the town’s wastewater plant. The body also approved a resolution stipulating an intermediary signee for the town’s checking accounts.

Hofmann also addressed how a new clerk-treasurer will be selected, in which the local Republican Party will have to hold a caucus and appoint Cheryl Galloway’s successor. He stated that registered Republicans will be looked at first, and then the applications will be open to all if a viable Republican is not found.

Hofmann recommended that anyone interested should contact Beau Baird, who is the county chair. Fidler added that if the party does not hold its caucus within 30 days from Mrs. Galloway’s resignation (in this case, before June 10), the council will get to decide.

Council member Cindy Holland and Town Marshal Steve Hibler did not attend Tuesday’s meeting.