The Burns Harbor
Town Council discussed compensation and reimbursement for municipal
employees and officials at its meeting Wednesday night.
Members of Burns
Harbor boards receive a $500 stipend for a year of service, except the Park
Board, whose members receive a $400 stipend. The council approved on first
reading an ordinance that will raise the Park Board stipend to $500 a year.
Fire Chief Bill
Arney also brought travel reimbursement to the council’s attention. Arney
said that travel typically exceeds the current allowance, once fees and
taxes are included. Expenses for traveling on municipal business are
supposed to be tax exempt, but businesses are not required by law to grant
the exemption.
Council
Vice-president Eric Hull recommended that the allowance for accommodations
should be raised to $250. The per diem allowance for meals, previously
capped at $37.50, was also raised to $50. From now on, these allowances
apply for any town employee or official traveling on official business.
Department Reports
Building
Commissioner Randall Lopez briefed the council on his end-of year report.
The town issued citizens and businesses 113 permits and 433 licenses,
conducted 530 inspections, and collected $68,197 in fees. “We had a good
year, a busy year,” he added.
Arney also read
facts from his report. Last month, the Fire Department responded to 63 calls
and was on scene a total of 34 hours and 58 minutes. The Department used
$4,628 in 2017 donations for honor guard uniforms. And Arney reported that
Shop with a Firefighter was a success. “We made some families happy and I
think it was much appreciated.”
Street
Superintendent Pat Melton reported that the Street Department is well
prepared for more snow. One issue drivers have been having, however, is
difficulty plowing due to garbage cans being put in the street. Residents
are reminded that the cans should be on the curb. Melton also urged
residents strongly not to clear snow into roadways “I want to remind people
that it is against our snow ordinance to blow snow into the street or shovel
into the street,” he said.
Kylane Tumblin
reported that she is the new president of the Park Board. Vice-president is
Angie Scott while Kim Burton remains Park Director. The new shelters at
Lakeland Park are still set to be completed with concrete work in spring,
and the Arts and Crafts Building will be getting new indoor/outdoor
carpeting. $12,297 in 2017 donations for the Parks were used mostly for
events.
Join A Board
There is still one
spot on each of the following boards and commissions: Board of Zoning
Appeals, Redevelopment Commission, and Park Board. The application for board
and commission seats can be found on the municipal website. Those interested
can either submit the application or a letter of interest to Clerk Treasurer
Jane Jordan. Submit either by email to jjordan@burnsharbor-in.gov or by mail
to 1240 N. Boo Rd. Applications must be in by the next council meeting, Feb.
14.
Other Business
The Council voted
to renew its membership with AIM, formerly the Indiana Association of Cities
and Towns, for $3,600.
Jordan reported
that the 2018 budget has received state approval. The town’s assessed value
has increased, and with it, the tax levy.
The next park event
is Movie Night at Lakeland Park. Despicable Me 3 will be screened at
6 p.m. Friday Jan. 19. The event is free and for all ages.