The Burns Harbor Town Council will revisit how to redistrict wards based on new population counts.

The meeting begins Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the town hall. Burns Harbor’s five council members currently represent three wards and two at-large districts; redrawing the wards based on the certified 2010 census must be completed by year’s end.

Last month the council convened a workshop but ran into difficulty trying to break up Ward 3, which at 677 persons has more than twice the population of the other two wards. Redistricting should attempt to create districts of nearly equal population.

At one time the town had five wards. During the October workshop having no designated wards and electing all five council members at-large was considered, but that opens the possibility of all members living in one subdivision.

Another item to be addressed Wednesday is final reading of an ordinance that would impose a $4.12 monthly charge on residents’ water bills to fund the town’s more than $70,000 annual cost for maintenance of Indiana American Water Co.’s fire hydrants located in Burns Harbor.

Department heads will report, two transfers are requested, and the 2012 salary ordinance will be amended. A report will be given regarding ongoing technology upgrades, and a plea will be made for interested citizens to submit letters of interest to fill expiring terms on town boards and commissions.

The public may address the council at the meeting’s conclusion.

Posted 11/13/2012