Hartman addresses needs as POET returns

CLOVERDALE — While POET Biorefining is anticipated to fully come back soon, Cloverdale leaders recently looked to water issues being addressed.

Town Manager Jason Hartman spoke on the relocation of a forced wastewater main near the plant, as well as a new discharge agreement, at the Cloverdale Town Council’s relatively brief regular meeting last week.

Hartman informed the council that he had received quotes for the relocation, which is part of a project by the Indiana Department of Transportation to widen U.S. 231 at County Road 800 South. He added that with ordering supplies by JAMRR Excavating, construction would begin sometime this week.

Noting that Duke Energy had already handled its electrical, Hartman said the town needed to “get in and get out of there,” weather permitting.

As it looks to getting reestablished, POET recently inquired to the town about sending its water as waste. Hartman noted that the water would be filtered, and actually be cleaner than the town’s own wastewater.

After consulting with Eric Smith of HWC Engineering, Town Attorney Richard Shagley and a financial consultant, Hartman said the plant is to be charged a rate applicable to a residential customer.

“It (POET) is going to be a pretty substantial wastewater customer, and it (the discharge) will not do any damage to our system,” Hartman said, stipulating that the latter consideration was the main concern.

Though he did not have the agreement with him at the meeting, Hartman related that the plant was looking to start some production soon. As such, the council approved it pending final review by Shagley.

In other business:

• Hartman related moving forward with a grant for inventorying street signage. The grant is for $31,500 and split 90-10 between federal money and the town. Hartman added that another grant to purchase signage could be pursued after the inventory is completed.

• With Councilman Larry Fidler opposing, the council voted to indefinitely eliminate a position for a part-time deputy marshal. It was announced that Caitlin Browning resigned as a part-time officer and became a reserve.

The move was brought up last month as to how Browning was being compensated. While she was to be paid through the Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office for drug enforcement, apart from town work as a detective, it was stated that no such money was given. Town Marshal Steve Hibler said he had not consulted with the office on this since Browning’s transition.

• The council approved Orleans-based Reynolds Construction for a build-operate-transfer (BOT) process. BOT is a procurement and delivery method for projects geared toward public-private partnerships to develop facilities. A special meeting is set for April 24 at 6 p.m.

Shagley noted that the process is being utilized for a forced main from Lieber State Recreation Area to the town. Treating Lieber’s wastewater is part of a wider project to address issues with water overall in the town overall.

With Councilman Greg Jay absent, Hibler and Clerk-Treasurer Kelly Maners joined Hartman, Shagley and the rest of the council for the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Cloverdale Town Council is set for Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. at the Cloverdale Town Hall.