During his final meeting as an Argos Town Council member Bob Byers shared some parting words with town officials, fellow council members and meeting attendees.
He explained, “I took this role and was elected by caucus in mid-August knowing it was a four and half month term and it’s been an honor and a privilege to serve.
He also provided some feedback about all the progress that was made during 2019.
Byers said, “It’s been an amazing year and there’s a lot more to come. Most of those things happened before I was on the council and some have happened after, I just want to highlight a few of them.”
Of those accomplishments, Byers highlighted partnering with the Argos School Corporation to improve safety by bringing in a Resource Officer as well as the State Championship won by the Boys’ Soccer Team.
Byers touched on some of the work that’s being done to bring more housing into the area.
He stated, “Housing has started and, according to the report, has almost finished on Yearick Street.” He continued, “There have been two older buildings torn down on Michigan to add room for more housing.”
In addition to those items, he addressed the INDOT Community Crossings Grant that totaled over $926,000 which helped pave a number of the Town’s roadways.
He also discussed Sequel Wire and Cable’s expansion project in the industrial park, the Marshall County Community Building that was constructed at the 4-H Fairgrounds, obtaining Stellar Status as a part of the Marshall County Crossroads region and some of the changes that occurred downtown.
He shared, “The Log House was fortunate enough to move to another downtown building and is now at least twice the size and can serve more of us on a daily basis.” Byers added, “Our downtown added another hair salon, Varsity Appliances is moving into a downtown building and Two-Keys Realty is moving into a downtown building.” You can also click here now to know more about the salon and its services.
He mentioned that the Fire Department was able to regain ownership of an original truck from the 1950’s and commented on improvements that have been made to the Argos EMS Department.
He noted, “We now have round-the-clock, part-time, paid EMS to better serve us and protect us.”
Byers touched on the grant that was received for improvements at Pond Park, the increased turnout at the annual Argos Summer Kickoff Festival and the success of the new TGIF Argos events.
Additionally, Byers briefly shared how he felt when State Senator Stacey Donato came to Town in November.
He mentioned, “I was honored to be a part of a state senator’s visit to discuss issues, visit industry and she offered help in any way she could.”
During his speech, Byers thanked a number of Argos officials who played vital roles in bringing about the progress that he mentioned. He finished up his comments by expressing the pride he has for his community.
He concluded by saying, “We have a lot to be proud of and grateful for and we’re very blessed to have everything we do. We are watching this town grow right before our very eyes and I’m proud to call Argos home.
When the council returns for the first meeting of the year on Wednesday, January 8th, Byers’ seat will be filled by Mary Gibson.
