Sandborn Council names Hartsburg new member

SANDBORN -- The Sandborn Town Council has a new member.

Acting upon the recommendation from the constituents of Ward Three, the Sandborn Town Council voted Tuesday night to name Joe Hartsburg to replace the council's vacancy.

Hartsburg was sworn in by Clerk-Treasurer Linda Hancock.

In other matters, Greg Jones from Southern Indiana Development Commission (SIDC) held a public hearing asking if there were any complaints regarding the housing rehabilitation project. Jones said the last day for complaints was Sept. 5.

Hancock said several people in town reported that they appreciated the repairs and that "it was a good thing."

When asked by a resident if it was possible to get a COP grant for a town marshal in which the town pays the wages for one year and the state pays for three years, Jones said -- at the present time -- there wasn't any money for that grant.

The council voted to not accept the low bid for the town's backhoe and decided to place an ad for it in the Indiana Auto RV Magazine.

Reporting for the park board, Hancock said offenders from the prison cut tree limbs in the park and placed gravel around playground equipment. She also reported that the Community Building would be used for judging the queen contest for the Black Creek Festival.

In answer to resident Jim Johnson's question regarding a relief on water bills for filling pools, etc., Hancock said by looking at previous charges it can be estimated the amount of an average bill, but the town can only give a credit for 1,000 gallons at a time.

Johnson also asked if there was any relief on water bills for people who go South in the winter.

"You can turn the water off if you are afraid of a leak," Hancock explained, "but there is a minimum charge of $25 to turn water off and $25 to turn it back on."

Johnson's other concerns were regarding the Langford Ditch and the town's old abandoned buildings.

After expressing a desire to be a member, the council voted for Johnson to join the Langford Ditch committee.

Council president Don Hill thanked Wesley Cook, Frank McCrary, Ned B. Kent and Jerry Haussin for collecting donations for new flags and for installing them along Main Street.

Sewer superintendent Cliff Pemberton, Jr. reported there were 549,100 gallons of sewer outflow during August averaging to 17, 712 gallons a day.

Pemberton also said trees along the school bus route were trimmed.

In other business, the council:

* Approved the 2008 budget.

* Reported that the DNR filled the mine shaft behind the WRV Produce Co.

* Said the concrete work around the storage building at the sewage plant was completed and looked nice.