Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

A letter of acknowledgment from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation concerning a grant to purchase property on the corner of Downey and Versailles Street was read by board member Ryan Lauber at the regular session of the Holton Town Board meeting held on Thursday, August 14. The board unanimously agreed to purchase the property.

According to Lauber, the property will be the future site of a maintenance building for the town. “It’s cleaning up the town and making it look better,” he said. Currently, there is a building on the site that will need to be demolished. Attorney John Ertel recommended that the building be removed after the site inspection by the grant committee, in order to show that the purchase and the clean up of the property will be beneficial to the community.

Ron Palmer questioned the board about the possibility of a town employee renting a house owned by the town. The home, according to board member Angi Farrell, has condition issues that need to be addressed.

Farrell reported that an inspection by Cardinal Pest Control showed termites, and is estimated to cost almost $1100 to spray. There is damage to the floor joists, as well as plumbing issues. “I don’t want to put a burden on the town to put money into the house,” she said.

Options for the property were addressed. Farrell noted that the house could be torn down in order to build a bigger parking lot, as well as the possibility of another basketball court or a tennis court.
It was noted that the previous renter moved out leaving over $2200 in utility bills, which was paid by the town. The board unanimously approved the motion to take the previous renter to small claims to recover the cost.

Attorney Ertel noted that if the home was to be rented, it would need to be brought up to standards and pass inspection. He advised the board to speak to the employee before making the decision. The matter was tabled for the next meeting.

Board President Paul Hughes received a letter from the owner of the old Holton School asking if the town would be interested in purchasing the building. Hughes will talk to the owner, and will discuss the proposal at the next meeting.

In other business:

• The board decided against installing speed bumps on Marion Street. The town marshal will increase patrols on the street, especially during bus pick up and drop offs.

• For those who have an after-hours water emergency, they can call 689-6736. Residents can contact the town marshal if there is no answer.

• The motion to purchase a used police car from the Sunman Police Department for $1500 was approved unanimously.

• The town is working with FEMA to restore a culvert that was damaged by flooding. According to Hughes, the town can expect to pay 25% of the costs.

• The board unanimously agreed to pay Misty McNeelan $1740 for overtime in the clerk’s office for the months of June and July due to the resignation of the current clerk-treasurer. The board originally approved nine hours a week, but in June, McNeelan worked 109 hours and 130 hours in July.

All board members were in attendance, along with McNeelan to take the minutes and Attorney John Ertel to advise the board. The next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, September 11 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Holton Community Building on Versailles Street.

BETH RUMSEY PHOTO Pictured is the property the Holton Town Board has agreed to purchase. The house will be torn down and the property located at Downey and Versailles Street will be the future site for the town's maintenance building.