Osgood Town applies for $500,000 grant
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

The Osgood Town Board meeting opened with a public hearing for the Water Improvement project of State Road 350. The town is applying to the Indiana Office of Rural Affairs (formerly the Department of Commerce) for a Community Focus Fund Grant in the amount of $500,000. Matching funds are being pursued from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation for $50,000; the Gilmore and Golda Reynolds Foundation for $150,000 and the town will contribute $300,000. Several citizens asked questions regarding easements for the project. Application is due by September 2. Letters of support for the project are welcomed.

Osgood Fire Chief, Chris Lemen, reported that fireman Norman Kappes has been injured at a fire scene. He is required to be off work for five to six weeks due to his injury.

Wastewater Superintendent Tony Wood reported there have been no violations. They are currently working on manhole sealing and other inflow and infiltration problems. Wood will also be the inspector for the Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Project.

Steve Wilhoit, gas superintendent, reported that USDI has been in Osgood and completed four gas taps and/or repairs with two more to go. The Best Metal Finishing meter has been replaced. The meter was changed from 11M to 16M. There have also been problems with the gas odorant station at Napoleon. The odorant level has been hard to adjust due to low summer gas usage.

Wilhoit reported the street department still has the Franklin Street Storm Water Project to finish. All Star Paving is supposed to return on August 22 to finish the patching. A catch basin will be installed on Sycamore Street by the Baptist Church. He would like council to look at replacing a salt box for the dump truck and purchasing a trailer mounted Vac Machine. Wilhoit also reported his summer help would be returning to college.

Town Marshal Rodney Stepleton reported he has spoken to the insurance company concerning life insurance for Farrell, his K-9 unit. Pedigree will donate a year's supply of food. Stepleton is currently looking for a new police program for his computer. Keystone Consulting will no longer update their police program.

Dave Moehler of Commonwealth Engineers was present to request approval to advertise for bids on the North Walnut Street Curb, Sidewalk, and Street Improvement Project. Council voted to proceed. The Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Project is waiting on the Indiana Department of Rural Affairs to sign the grant.

Jim Wagner, Osgood's representative on the Economic Development Board, said people are moving into the area to work at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center and they would like a list of properties available in the Osgood, Versailles, and Holton area to place on their bulletin board.

Bob Vollmer, representing the Osgood First Baptist Church, said they are preparing to blacktop the parking lot north of the church. He had several questions regarding the project. He was informed the stop sign could not be moved. Steve Wilhoit will mark the right-of-way on Western Avenue for them. Council would prefer the church not run electric under the street, but get service from the alley by the parking lot.

Commonwealth claims were approved: Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Project, $3,648.31 1st part bid/construction phase; $494.14 1st part permit phase; Water Project State Road 350 $1,060.41 2nd part easement/permit phase; North Walnut Street Curb, Sidewalk and Street Improvement Project $5,200 1st part design phase.

Reynolds Inc. claims were presented for the Water Improvement Project. Council approved signing the Certificate of Substantial Completion and to release the escrow retainage money: $1,990.25 for construction pay estimate #5 and $104.75 for escrow pay #5.

The clerk-treasurer will write a letter of support for Rising Sun Mayor Bill Marksberry's grant application to the Rising Sun Regional Foundation to financially support the statewide project by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns. I.A.C.T. will develop a proposal to the Indiana General Assembly to provide an alternative to financing local government.

The president and clerk-treasurer will sign the "Release and Satisfaction of Lien" documents for Amanda Holler and Ruth G. Hughes.

All three town board members were present: Jeff Volz, Paul Struckman and Linda Krinop. Attorney Mary Ann Gay and Clerk-Treasurer Tammy Wilhoit were present to advise the board. The next meeting of the Osgood Town Board will be held on September 20, at 7:00 p.m. at the Osgood Town Hall.