The probationary period of pay for the newly installed Assistant Director of the Marshall County Museum was discussed by the Marshall County Council this week.
Museum Director Linda Rippy presented the request.
“The assistant director who’s working there now, Sue Irwin, has been there over three years,” explained Rippy. “In the last year, at least, she’s been doing the same duties that an assistant director would have been doing. So, we’re asking to waive that probationary period.”
The purchase of a combination sewer cleaner was discussed by the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety this week.
Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson told the board that the department has held off on purchasing the equipment for about five years to collect the funds for the expenditure. Davidson said $400,000 is budgeted for the purchase this year.
The Triton Community School Board discussed proposed building projects for this coming year.
Superintendent Donna Burroughs said a facility study was conducted in the fall that identified the corporation’s needs.
“It was identified that we need a new heating and cooling system at the elementary school, we need a new roof at the high school and we should look at a new gym. We’ve been using the old Bourbon gym and it’s in need of a lot of repair,” said Burroughs.
The Plymouth City Council heard a proposal for a restoration rebate program application for work to be done on the Rees Theater.
Brent Martin from the Wythougan Valley Preservation Council said the council members have received proposals from C&S Masonry, Schoberg and Schoberg Painting and Vanadco Signs to do a wide range of exterior work to the building.
The Culver-Union Township Library will soon be getting some American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant renovations to the exterior of the building along with other improvements.
Library Board member Bill Clevenger explained to the Culver Town Council Tuesday night that the board recently hired an architect to do an envelope study of the library. That study entails an analysis of potential facility modifications to bring codes up to standards or to improve operations.
The Bremen Town Council received an update on the renovation of the building at 1237 Plymouth Street that now houses the food pantry and the city’s ambulance service.
Bremen Director of Operations Trend Weldy said that work inside the EMS portion of the building is almost complete.
Food Services Director Gloria Burnam informed the Plymouth Community School Board Monday night that meal prices will increase for the next school year.
She said that lunch prices have not increased in two years.
“Lunch prices for kindergarten to sixth grade will be $1.95 which is a $.10 increase. Lunch for seventh through 12th grades will be $2.05 which is a $.10 increase. We will increase breakfast as well to $1.20. It’s been at $1.10 for at least 15 years,” explained Burnam.
The Plymouth City Economic Development Commission will be gaining traction again with several public/private projects on tap this year.
The Marshall County Council members have an opportunity to appoint a member to the organization. Mayor Mark Senter presented the council with a recommendation to the commission on Monday morning.
The Marshall County Highway Department will need to find ways to cut additional funds from its operating budget this year.
The county council received word that the Department of Local Government Finance made the decision to reduce $23,406 from the highway department’s budget. The initial decision on how to make those cuts fell on the county council, but Councilwoman Penny Lukenbill urged the governing body to allow Highway Administrator Laurie Baker and Highway Supervisor Jason Peters to make those funding reductions as they see fit. The council will review those cuts at their May meeting after they are advertised.
The Plymouth Community School Board held a public hearing last night to field comments on the proposed new Lincoln Junior High School facility.
Superintendent Dan Tyree said that focus groups were asked to tour the current facility and all involved determined that a new facility was needed. The cost to rehabilitate the current building was deemed not feasible.
The Plymouth City Council members approved the first reading of an amendment to the salary ordinance for fire and EMS personnel during their regular meeting last night.
The ordinance calls for an increase in the base salary for full-time firefighters and paramedics to $52,000. Volunteer firefighters will see a $3.00 increase to $15.00 per call.
The Culver Town Council members will have several items up for discussion when they meet tonight.
Bill Clevenger from the Culver-Union Township Public Library will appear before the council with information. The council will receive an update on the Stellar Communities application and letter of intent. The deadline for the letter of intent is set for April 28.
Officials with the Marshall County Treasurer’s Office are mailing out property tax statements with the first installment due May 10.
Treasurer Angie Birchmeier reminds taxpayers that payments can be made in her office in the Marshall County Building Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office will be open on Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to noon for taxpayer convenience. The office will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9 and Wednesday, May 10 so payments can be made on time.
A Bremen family farm was recently recognized at the Statehouse with a Hoosier Homestead award for 150 years of family farm ownership.
State Representative Jack Jordan and State Senator Ryan Mishler honored the Mishler family in Bremen for the continuous use of farm land by the same family for 157 years.
The Plymouth Community School Board will hear public comment tonight on the proposed replacement of the Lincoln Jr. High School.
The hearing will also welcome public input on the plans for the renovations of and improvements to the Plymouth High School, Riverside Intermediate School and Washington Discovery Academy. A portion of the Lincoln Jr. High School is also expected to be renovated as part of this project to preserve the history of the school.
The Marshall County Council members are expected to hear from Linda Rippy from the Marshall County Museum and Historical Society when they meet this morning. Rippy will be asking for a probationary period waiver. She will also deliver her quarterly report.
Plymouth City Attorney Surrisi will ask for a council appointment to the City Economic Development Commission during the public meeting.
The Culver Stellar Communities Committee is working on several projects that are categorized as lighter, quicker and cheaper as required in this year’s application process.
The town is applying for the opportunity to have the distinction of being a Stellar Community and receive funding to complete a plan for community and economic development projects.
The Triton School Board will talk about possible building projects when they meet in a work session tonight.
Superintendent Donna Burroughs told MAX 98.3 FM News that they started preliminary discussions last month. She said that they need a new a roof at the high school, a new heating and cooling system at the elementary school and an addition to a gym facility.
The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety members will award a bid for the Oakhill/Soice at Michigan Street intersection signalization improvements when they meet tonight. The board also expects to open quotes for the Ledyard Plant roof replacement project.
City Attorney Sean Surrisi will present a resolution designating a handgun as surplus property of the Plymouth Police Department and authorize its transfer to a retiring police officer.
Grant funds are available from the state for gas stations looking to add ethanol to their product offerings. Continue reading
