Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

The continued problem of speeders on South Marion Street was the topic of discussion at the regular meeting of the Holton Town Council on Thursday, September 11. According to the residents of the street, the town marshal is patrolling the area periodically throughout the day, but speeding is still a problem.

Speed bumps were again requested, with the residents offering to pay the cost of the bumps and signage. Several of those living on South Marion Street present at the meeting told how they are afraid to have their children playing outside or riding their bikes on the street. Council President Paul Hughes said that the council will need to look into the legality of the speed bumps, and will have a decision at the next meeting.

Council member Ryan Lauber reported on a meeting with the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville. He said there will be several changes made in the next few years including upgrading the airports at North Vernon and Greensburg; building a military prep school; and business within the compound.

“They want to involve the public as much as possible,” said Lauber. He also stated that the training center has plans to keep construction within the surrounding counties. It was suggested that those interested in bringing businesses to Holton that would benefit the training center could form a future development committee.

Angie Farrell gave an update on the condition of the house owned by the town next to the park. She said the wiring is not up to code and the floor joints are very weak and need replacing. Lauber had met with the building inspector and was told that the entire house needed to be up to code before approval. It is estimated to cost almost $50,000 to bring the building up to code. In light of this information, the council unanimously approved to demolish the building.

Lauber reported that the site visit to the property on Versailles Street was made by members of the Rising Sun Regional Foundation committee members. Lauber reported that all of the paperwork was in proper order, and that a decision would be made on September 24 concerning the grant the town has applied for. This house, which was heavily damaged by a tornado, would be demolished and room made for a new utility building for the town.

Wilbur Myers requested a mural be painted on the new shelter house in the park upon completion. He suggested that a depot or another building from the town’s past be used. “I think a mural is a great idea,” said Farrell.

The projected lien list against property owners owing past due sewer bills was given to the council. According to interim Clerk Treasurer Misty McNeelan, the amount is going up at a rate of $2,000 a month. She is working with town Attorney John Ertel to seek payment for the past due accounts.
In other business:

• The council accepted the resignation of Clerk Treasurer Krista Bartoz effective July 1.

• The board unanimously agreed to send Misty McNeelan to certification classes, provided she is sworn in as clerk.

• Georgia Sturgill was unanimously approved for the cleaning position for the community center.
• Payment of $2658 to the contractor of the shelter house at the park for the purchase of materials was unanimously approved.

• A request to remove abandoned cable boxes was made. Council President Hughes said that only those on the town’s right of way can be moved. Those on private property are the responsibility of the homeowners.

• Farrell thanked Wilma Myers for the donation of a coffee maker and microwave to the community center.

• Replacement of the bridge near the cemetery, damaged by flooding, is pending the approval of the final paperwork, according to Hughes.

All town council members were in attendance, along with Misty McNeelan to take the minutes and Attorney John Ertel to advise. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 9 beginning at 7 p.m. at the community center.