Citizen complaint resolved
IDEM finds no violations at Holton lagoon
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Results from IDEM testing at the sewer lagoons were given at the regular meeting at the Holton Town Council on Tuesday, November 8. The testing resulted from a complaint from Daniel Beach to IDEM (Indiana Department of Environmental Management) concerning standing water on his property. Beach was concerned that the lagoons were emitting some sort of damaging liquid onto his property.

Robert Furst, town council president, read the summary from IDEM that stated that samples had been taken from the area in question and no pollution was found. There were no violations discovered at the lagoon and no further action will be taken by IDEM. Peggy Furst, sewer operator, was told the lagoon operation was one of the best.

Town council members approved items requested by Town Marshal Billey Moore. He requested to take training to be certified to operate the DataMaster and to look into getting a reserve officer. All members of the council agreed to the training and that a reserve would be good. They will take further action.

"Money used for citizen's protection is money well spent," noted Furst, as council members discussed taking riverboat money to purchase needed items for the marshal. "The marshal is doing a great job and we want to support him," Furst continued.

The Marshal's report included: 4 written warnings, 5 verbal warnings, 23 citations, 4 arrests, 1 warrant served, and assisted other departments 2 times last month.

In other business:

· It was noted that Holton residents met and discussed resurrecting the Holton Jamboree, a summer festival. Ron Palmer, who was elected vice president of the group, noted that a meeting has been set for November 15. The group will have various fundraisers throughout the year to offset the cost.

· Several people who were filed against in court for having delinquent sewer bills have already racked up bills again. Council members agreed they would continue to pursue those in arrears. They were advised by Attorney Larry Eaton to not give as much time as before.

· Council agreed to pay Clerk-Treasurer Rhonda Tunny for any overtime hours incurred.

· Leaf pickup was announced. Leaves need to be bagged and will be picked up on Thursdays.

· Commonwealth will come back to check on sewer leaks in the Community Building.

· Ron Palmer will represent the town of Holton on the Planning Commission.

· A number of Christmas decorations have been donated to the town by resident Ron Palmer.

· O'Mara Construction Co. has begun blacktopping in the town.

Those in attendance at the meeting included, Robert Furst, Rhonda Tunny, Peggy Furst, Billey Moore, Wilbur Myers, Ron Palmer, Wilma Myers, and Rick Holman. The next regular meeting of the council will be December 13, at 8:00 a.m. at the community building on Versailles Street.