Rezoning for Bank, Wreaths for Veterans, and Fire Department’s Sweet Old Christmas Tradition

COLUMBIA CITY-All department heads and common council members were in attendance at Tuesday’s Common Council meeting. Although Nathan Bilger of the Plan Commission sent his regrets at being unable to attend, Councilman Dan Weigold relayed information on the Plan Commission’s recently approved rezone project involving a bank located near Connexion Way and Lincolnway. Weigold mentioned that the bank has also expressed a desire to have an entrance on each road, something he vehemently opposes. Weigold says the speed on Lincolnway is too high to allow for a safe entrance, and Mayor Ryan Daniel said he concurred with Weigold. Though conducting a study on the subject was mentioned to the commission, Weigold said there were no set plans or details on who would conduct the study or when, and he reiterated that he doesn’t agree with the need for a second entrance. Approval of the rezone by Common Council was unanimous.

Photo byMelany Love

In other ordinance business, the new Community Engagement Specialist position was approved, as was the suspension of delinquent utility bills. City Clerk Treasurer Rosie Coyle offered kudos to the girls in her office and the city attorney in all the work done to track down the unpaid bills, helping to keep the amount the city has to suspend or write off to a minimum. Bills belonging to those who have passed away, filed bankruptcy, or moved where they could not be located amounted to several thousand dollars in total; Mayor Daniel echoed Coyle’s sentiments and commended efforts.

Fire Department Chief Tom LaRue discussed the city’s participation in using IROL, a database which would require inspections of commercial buildings to be uploaded and stored there. IROL also notifies the fire department of sprinkler system violations automatically, which LaRue hopes will streamline the process of keeping building safety up-to-date and prevent wasted time doing redundant inspections on buildings that are already in compliance.

Photo byMelany Love

In department reports, Police Chief Gary Parrett said they have two new cars and a new officer, and they are doing new Deputy Chief interviews, with Dispatch Shift Lead interviews coming up. The sewer department is working on a joint project between the city and the county, and the Westgate project has a community meeting on Monday, December 6, at Trinity Evangelical Church Presbyterian Church. Leaf and limb pickups are finishing up, and the electric department’s switchover went well and only requires some small tweaks. A new bucket truck is needed soon. The park department has moved into the new office and has been working on cutting dead trees. Park Director Matt Heiden shared that the new ice rink opened December 1 and said, “We’ve had an ok amount of people coming in.” Water Pollution Control Superintendent Mike Cook said they are looking at spending $35,000 on repairing a pump because though it was $46,000 when installed; it would now cost $100,000 to replace due to inflation.

Fire Chief LaRue reminded the public that the fire department will be handing out Christmas candy on Christmas Eve from 6-8pm. This tradition dates back to about the 1880s, when candy and citrus were commodities that many families could not afford and has continued the effort of making Christmas brighter ever since. It is funded entirely by donations, and they pass out an estimated 600 pounds of candy each year. Candy is available via the “drive thru” up Chauncey Street and down VanBuren, between the cones that will be placed.

Clerk Treasurer Coyle reminded everyone that local restaurants will be implementing the new food and beverage tax beginning in January. Mayor Daniel mentioned the upcoming US-30 project meeting on Friday. More information on the US-30 project is available at propelus30.com.

Wreaths Across America will take place Saturday at Greenville Cemetery. Mayor Daniel said Columbia City is one of the only cities in Northeast Indiana that is participating in this nationwide event to honor veterans. Councilman Weigold shared that the Plan Commission is discussing a potential car wash at the Advance Auto Parts store, and Councilwoman Jennifer Romano said she hopes to complete the Christmas light judging this Friday or Sunday. The Arts Commission will have a presentation in January for the council. Councilman Tad Varga mentioned an upcoming beautification project involving trees and the South side of town.

The next Common Council meeting will be Dec. 28 (not Dec. 26, as City Hall will be closed Dec. 25 and 26).