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By MARGARET L. WILLIS Though the streets may be narrow enough to warrant a new ordinance requiring parking on one side of the street only and the non-standard street lights may be an additional financial strain for the town, the Burns Harbor town council voted unanimously to accept the Phase 1B infrastructure in the Village in Burns Harbor. Town council member Cliff Fleming, developer of the subdivision, recused himself from the discussion and vote. His fellow council members Mike Perrine, Toni Biancardi and Jim McGee, with Louis Bain absent due a death in the family, voted to accept the infrastructure. Questions about the costs of replacing the bulbs in the streetlights came up, as well as the fact that access to the lamps may require use of a fire department ladder truck. The bill for replacement of a recently damaged light pole was improperly sent to town clerk-treasurer Jane Jordan’s office, prompting concern about potential future costs. Other street lights in town, of standard design, are maintained by NIPSCO and the town pays a monthly $55 in electricity for each. In response to a request for a new street light at the east end of Meadowbrook Rd., the council asked the police department to check for areas that may need additional streetlights and provide a report to the council next month. In other business, additional appropriations to provide for a grant match of up to $100,000 and pay for the new general maintenance truck were made, totaling $104,000. The Park Department was also appropriated $12,448 from its non-reverting fund. Resident Jim Constantine questioned the expenditure of up to $100,000 for grant matches which may include development of a bike trail. Council member Mike Perrine answered that it is a good thing if planning and initial construction of amenities in town can be done at minimal cost to the town. “This town will get bigger,” he added. Changes in the Subdivision Control Ordinance, including requirements of a letter certifying sewer treatment plant capacity and allowing payment of $500 per lot in a development in lieu of park land set aside, if allowed, were passed on first reading, with Perrine, Toni Biancardi, Jim McGee and Cliff Fleming all present and voting in favor. No one spoke against the proposed changes. The changes will be considered again at next month’s meeting and then must be legally advertised before taking effect.
Posted 11/13/2008
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