By PAULENE POPARAD

With the estimated construction cost having risen to $1.25 million, the Chesterton Town Council agreed Monday to scale back plans to renovate the 15th Street former factory it purchased for $375,000 in 2004.

At that time the intent was to relocate the Park Department and Utility Department offices, and to use the building and 3-acre site for storage. But since then suggestions were studied to move some town hall offices there with meeting rooms.

“It was becoming the new seat of government for the town of Chesterton, but that’s not why we bought it,” said Councilman James Ton. “This has just ballooned to unacceptable levels. We could knock it down and build a new annex for that.”

On his motion the council voted 4-0 with member Sharon Darnell absent to revisit the original renovation plans with minimal office and storage space. After the meeting Ton said that scenario was estimated to cost about $500,000 to $600,000 and probably would be funded with a bond issue.

Councilman Mike Bannon asked and the council concurred that the site at the northeast corner of 15th Street and Broadway immediately be spruced up on its exterior while the council refines the interior renovation plans.

Paving shortfall $300,000

The council took under advisement a proposed list of 2007 road projects in the face of too many miles and too few dollars. Street Superintendent John Schnadenberg listed the total for doing all 13 projects as $424,200 yet only $125,000 is earmarked for paving from the town’s share of the Porter County income tax.

Schnadenberg said the cost of asphalt jumped significantly over 2006 prices and that while Indiana tax officials have yet to approve Chesterton’s final 2007 budget, indications are the town’s Local Road and Street distribution and its Motor Vehicle Highway funds will be cut.

He also reminded the council what projects don’t get done in 2007 will be shifted to 2008. Bannon said the town can’t afford to get behind this year because the repaving of Indian Boundary Road from State Road 49 west will be a major project that needs to happen.

The council could tap some of its Major Moves distribution from the state, money generated from last year’s lease of the Indiana Toll Road to a private concessionaire. Council President Dave Cincoski asked members be prepared May 8 to suggest how the paving projects could be funded.

Schnadenberg’s list, for the most part prioritized, is as follows:

• Broadway from 6th Street to 8th Street: $48,500

• Burr Oak Drive and Baton Ridge: $45,500

• 5th Street from Porter Avenue to Morgan Avenue: $51,900

• Roberts Road from Indian Boundary Road to Michael Drive: $64,200

• Entire back lot and sides of Town Hall: $38,200

• Texas Street from 23rd Street to 25th Place: $23,500

• Idaho Street from 23rd Street to 25th Place: $12,500

• James Court: $6,500

• Shannon Drive: $40,500

• Dunewood Drive: $42,500

• Longbridge Road: $21,900

• 17th Street from Porter Avenue to Morgan Avenue: $12,500

• County Road 200E off County Road 1050N: $16,000

Schnadenberg said he’d like to start some of the work in June after schools are dismissed. He also reported that Porter County’s Feb. 12-14 snowstorm has been designated an emergency and thereby eligible for reimbursement of some costs related to snow removal. He and administrative assistant Mary Henry are working with federal officials. “There’s a lot of paperwork involved.”

Arbor Day invitation

Jeff Cernick of Chesterton’s Tree Committee invited the public to attend Saturday’s Arbor Day Celebration at 9 a.m. at the Library Service Center south parking lot in the 100 block of West Indiana Avenue. The town will receive its 11th consecutive Tree City award, trees will be planted, and demonstrations and free plant give-aways are planned.

Cernick reminded residents that under town code a tree-care permit should be obtained under certain circumstances when removing or pruning trees. Information is available at the town hall.

The council adopted 4-0 a companion resolution declaring this week Urban Forestry Days and Saturday as Arbor Day, both encouraging beautification of the town with trees to improve its appearance, increase property values and enhance the economic viability of the business areas.

In related environmental action the council adopted an ordinance amending town code that tightened up penalty provisions for dumping grass clippings and other yard waste on any public way. Such clippings, leaves, brush and other vegetation are, however, permitted at the town yard-waste recycling site at 609 Grant Ave. or at future sites.

The dumping there is limited to yard waste from residences and other real property located within the town of Chesterton only.

A second ordinance also OK’d amended the rate of compensation for two classes of employees. Technicians for the MS4 stormwater protection program were shifted from salaries ranging from $31,620 to $35,700 annually with no overtime to hourly rates of $15.85 to $17.85.

The job title and salaries of two mechanic positions formerly paid $16.34 and $15.50 per hour goes to $16.53 and $15.99 per hour. The town is centralizing mechanics at the Street Department to service the town’s fleet and equipment including the Utility Department’s.

Town planner Steve Yagelski said the Chesterton Economic Development Corp. has been granted non-profit 501-C3 status making it eligible to apply for additional grants to further its objectives.

Fire Chief Skip Highwood reported 344 calls to service this year with 76 this month.

Posted 4/24/2007