Jasonville City Council hears from several residents

Several citizens brought items of concern before the board at Jasonville's City Council meeting Monday evening.

Steve Morse addressed the council about a plot of land that was designated as an alley but had never been opened. He noted that trees on the strip of property were going to be trimmed by Duke Energy and he was concerned that the debris from the trimming would fall over onto his property. He also wanted the land cleared -- if possible -- so he could have easier access to one of his outbuildings.

Mayor Roy Terrell explained that Attorney Jeff Hawkins had said if the city claims a piece of property as an alley then it (the city) is responsible to maintain it.

After much discussion, the board decided to obtain additional information and further discuss the situation at the next council meeting.

Resident Jenny Scott informed the council that there is a Criminal Alert Network (CAN) that is an e-mail notification system sponsored by the Indiana Attorney General's Office.

The web based application allows Indiana residents to register for e-mail notices on those offenders currently registered as sexual offenders as well as any new offenders moving within the State of Indiana where the offender's residence is within a reasonable specified radius of an address registered by the user during the sign up process.

Tom Schroeder from Schroeder and Associates announced that the architectural drawings of the new fire station were 90 percent completed. He noted there were a few glitches regarding power lines and identification of land owners on some nearby properties.

The council voted 3-1 to apply for a SAFER Grant sponsored by Homeland Security.

Assistant Fire Chief Darren Sluder explained that the grant would pay a firefighter to work five days a week at $34,000 a year and benefit the city by consolidating jobs in several areas to one person.

The board also voted 4-0 to continue EMS service.

"If we can save one life with EMS service, it is worth it," noted Councilperson Peggy Sluder.

Darren Sluder explained that it might be possible to recoup some of the money paid for EMS service by taking advantage of the Emergency Medical Services Restitution Fund. If prosecutors would make it part of their judgment, money could be recouped from emergency runs involving drunk drivers.

"We might only have three drunk-driving incidents a year," noted Sluder, "but the money would help."

In her report, Clerk-Treasurer Charlotte Thomas said she had attended a district meeting at Nashville.

Police Chief Rick Van Horn reported 23 arrests in October. The JPD also investigated three theft cases, three meth dealings, one possession of marijuana, one battery case, one protective order violation and one vandalism case.

The JPD issued six traffic warnings, five equipment repair orders and four title checks. The department assisted other departments five times, and there were six accidents in the city.

Fire Chief Harold Keller reported there were two fire runs in October and four EMS runs.

Keller said the street department put up Christmas lights, cleared ditches, changed light bulbs in street lights and worked on equipment.

In other business, the board:

*Announced the water treatment plant project would begin Nov. 23.

*Heard from Rhonda Rumble from SIDC that 16 residents had qualified for the Housing Grant Project.

*Voted to accept the bid of $700 for the old police vehicle.

* Read a letter from Downey Insurance recognizing city workers for the 2008 Safety Award.

*Announced that the Veterans Program would be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at Shakamak High School Gym, that Jasonville Chamber would meet next Tuesday instead of tonight, and Good Start would meet with RCAP at noon on Friday at Pizza Villa. RCAP is a program that helps low income, rural communities pursue drinking water, wastewater and solid waste projects.