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Cloverdale sewer, water mains need moving for U.S. 231 project
CLOVERDALE — With widening U.S. 231 at County Road 800 South yet to be under way, it has been found that both a water and a forced sewer main have to be moved.
Town Manager Jason Hartman detailed how this could be addressed to the Cloverdale Town Council at its regular meeting Tuesday evening. As such, he proposed that engineering would be needed to relocate the mains.
Being notified recently by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) about the issue, Hartman said specifically that the mains conflict with where a storm drain ditch is set. In turn, Duke Energy would have to move utility poles further west.
Originally slated for the spring, the construction would allow for two lanes in each direction from north of Interstate 70 to just south of County Road 800 South. There are also to be left-turn lanes at the intersections. The road would also have a raised concrete median.
The project is aimed at mediating congestion with truck traffic going to and from POET Biorefining and the nearby asphalt plant and quarry.
With the mains and their corroborating plans unable to be found locally, Hartman said he consulted with Bob Curry of Curry & Associates, as the firm is familiar with the project. He also said that it engineered POET’s singular water and sewer setup.
Hartman noted that POET uses none of the town’s water and sewage for its production, but rather only for its offices. With this, Curry proposed that the facility could eventually supply its own water from a well.
To a query from Council President Larry Fidler about the state covering the cost because it originally approved the mains, Hartman said this was not likely binding. Though it may not apply, Hartman added that INDOT awards “hardship” grants for such needs.
“Initially when I talked to him (Curry), he thought this (moving the mains) was going to be a very, very expensive project,” Hartman said. “Honestly, until he gets moving on this, I don’t think we really know.”
This all acknowledged, Hartman put forward an hourly contract with the firm to figure out where the mains could be moved. Town Attorney Richard Shagley only noted a concern that it did not specify a “do not exceed” limit.
As such, the council approved the contract with a limit of $10,000 split between the two mains. There was a consensus that this could be changed as costs are determined.
In other business:
• With no comments offered, the council held a public hearing on the town’s budget for 2023. After the town’s departments meeting with herself, Fidler and Councilman Brandon Tancak, Clerk-Treasurer Kelly Maners said each’s budget will increase.
Maners outlined that the Cloverdale Police Department will use its increase toward its operating budget and salaries, while the Cloverdale Park Board’s will go toward utility costs. She also said that extra was devoted to road projects. These amounts will be broken down in future coverage.
Before the hearing was closed, the council also passed a motion for its three-percent raise for each member to stand. This has been the norm and consistent with raises for taxpayer-supported employees otherwise.
• After delays with securing one, the council voted to not renew a standing lease agreement with Kent Goldman of Andy Mohr Ford (also a reserve sergeant) on advice from Shagley. The council then approved a new agreement, which concerns a reserve police vehicle for the police department.
The agreement stipulates a one-year term at $120 per yearly renewal, with all equipment and associated costs to be furnished by Goldman’s lessor. The town would only maintain full coverage, licensure and gas for town business.
While the town’s cost is supposed to be covered by reserve donations, Maners said this fund stood at just $38. Town Marshal Steve Hibler said Goldman could raise more money toward the fund.
• Though saying amounts for the rest of the year looked healthy now, Maners noted that the town owed a $30,000 engineering fee for work anticipated on Bennington Way. As such, she said the Local Road and Street Fund would be depleted, while the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund would be taken down to $6,000.
• The council approved to pay a $400 increase on a quote approved last May for a new jetter hose. The price was originally $2,250, but Maners said the part was ordered after the quote’s guarantee expired.
• The council approved a quote for $1,870 for new mulch for the Cloverdale Town Park. Maners said this will come out of the park board’s operating budget and donations.
• The council conducted its first reading of Ordinance 2022-11, which outlines the town being allowed to transfer money electronically. Maners said this would save the town on postage while maintaining internal controls and documentation.
• Pending review by Shagley, the council approved a contract with CPA Larry Tippin for him to assist with cleaning up the town’s asset records. The quote is to not exceed $4,000.
With Tancak absent, Fidler, Hartman, Maners, Hibler and Shagley were joined by Council Vice President Greg Jay and Councilwoman Cindy Holland, as well as new member Brice Howell. Representing Ward 2, Howell replaces Rick Dearwester, who resigned from the council in July.
The next regular meeting of the Cloverdale Town Council is set for Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Cloverdale Town Hall.