By MARGARET L. WILLIS

No citizens remonstrated and no council members offered amendments to the Dune Acres proposed 2007 budget Tuesday.

Council president John Wilhelm and member Louise Roberts unanimously adopted the $452,706 budget. Council member Ben Bolton was absent.

The budget calls for $376,320 in the General Fund, $27,596 in Motor Vehicle Highway and $8,960 in the Local Roads and Streets. Also, $13,440 for Parks, $19,756 in the Cumulative Capital Development Fund, $2,602 in Cumulative Capital Improvement and $4,032 from the Riverboat Gaming Fund.

A field hearing on the budget will take place sometime in October, clerk-treasurer Beverly Hubbs said, and the final budget order should typically be issued by the end of the year.

A framed check for $26,489.49, Dune Acres’ share of the Major Moves fund generated from the long-term lease of the Indiana Toll Road, was presented last week to town council member Louise Roberts. Local taxing units received framed checks, based on population, at a ceremony Friday. The actual funds will be distributed shortly.

In other business, Municipal Code commissioner Bill Nixon turned over printed copies of the codified Municipal Code, though council members took no action as yet.

“I’m very happy to present to you the town code,” he said, adding he realizes his work is not yet done, but the end is in sight.

The table of contents is accurate and helpful, and each section is tabbed and separated, he said. The final bill for the project will be $19,037.73, he said, though that will be revised when he orders two more hard copies.

“It’s a huge jump from where we were,” said Wilhelm.

It’s possible the council will have final adoption of the new document at its October 17 meeting.

Roads commissioner Irving Call reported that he’s awaiting bids on work for Shore Drive and Circle Drive and that the problem on West Rd. is improved.

Call sought and received permission to seek bids on correcting inconsistencies and idiosyncrasies in the electrical system at the Clubhouse. A roof leak problem is being addressed, Tom Roberts said.

The Historic Landmark status is a step closer, with State approval secured and National approval likely in a month or so, Wilhelm said. The Historic Landmark status will help secure grants for restoration of the building.

The council gave their final approval to two building permits already approved by the Plan Commission; a construction permit for John Quinn, 86 East Rd and a remodel for Mark Phelps at 9 Beach Rd.

Building Commissioner John Sullivan was encouraged by the council to pursue citations and fines for contractors parking vehicles and equipment on public streets during construction. Sullivan said in one case he has issued multiple warnings and not gotten compliance.

Cecelia Call reported the welcome sign has been temporarily removed because its recent placement blocked the view from the gatehouse down Mineral Springs Rd.

Research continues on establishing a Rainy Day Fund, attorney Dan Whitten reported.

Roberts will chair a committee to come up with unified town signage standards. The style, color and town logo will be considered.

Roberts and Wilhelm also voted unanimously to have the town buildings appraised.

Town Council liaisons for the town commissioners were announced. Bolton will be liaison to the Maintenance, Beach and Park Commissioners and continue to serve as Water Commissioner.

Roberts will be liaison for Police, Environment and the Clubhouse, while Wilhelm will work with the Maintenance and Roads, Fire, Municipal Code and Buildings Commissioners.

Wilhelm and Roberts voted in favor of putting $100 toward a resource and development package to explore the establishment of a Beacon Hill Project among Dune Acres, Porter and Beverly Shores.

The program coordinates assistance to aid elderly residents to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

Roberts said the VNA will provide flu shots in town on Saturday, Dec. 2. Notice will be posted at the gatehouse.

Residents are advised that the color coding on fire hydrants indicates the size of the water main each is connected to. Red is six inches or less; orange is eight to ten inches and green indicates a 12 inch or larger main.

Also, the town has been invited to select an item or items to be included in the Porter County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commis-sion’s new building cornerstone as part of a time capsule. The PCCRVC is celebrating its 20th year and opening a new visitors center.

“We’d like ideas and suggestions of what would represent Dune Acres,” Wilhelm said.

Posted 9/20/2006