By MARGARET L. WILLIS

Though no immediate action was taken, there was discussion Wednesday on the necessity of Burns Harbor establishing a Storm Water Management Board and to begin looking forward to how the town will comply with the Federal rules on storm water, which will likely apply to the town after the 2010 census.

An interim rate for storm water management may need to be set, to establish a Storm Water Board and begin the process of investigating MS4 compliance and what the ongoing costs might be for the town.

“We need to set one up,” said council member Mike Perrine.

Member Cliff Fleming agreed. “It would be pro-active on the part of the town. We can feel good about that. We can be ahead of the requirements, not behind.”

The Burns Harbor Town Council dealt with a variety of other business Wednesday, among them adopting changes in personnel policy.

The council adopted language establishing guidelines for sick days, bereavement time off and call out pay for town employees.

The council established a Traffic Light Escrow Fund and a Sewer Debt Service Reserve Account Fund.

The council also adopted an amendment to the Subdivision Control Ordinance, initiated by the Advisory Plan Commission, which will require surety bonds in the amount of 110 percent of the cost of proposed improvements and installations to be posted prior to Secondary Plat Approval.

The council unanimously agreed to declare an emergency and hold second reading and adopt that ordinance change on the same night as first reading.

The council split on the issue of amending town code to address mobile home parks which fail to provide proof of compliance with Indiana Code when applying for an Operating Permit from the town.

Council member Perrine voted no, while Jim McGee, Toni Biancardi and Fleming all voted yes on a motion to adopt an ordinance allowing the town to demand an annual update of proof of compliance with Indiana Code. Perrine, whose wife Leann manages a mobile home park, offered no comment on his vote.

The council also voted unanimously in favor of designating a Park Non-Reverting Fund as the depository for park revenues, from gate fees to shelter rentals, season passes and parking fees.

The council decided to take no action regarding the addition of Pacific Pride Fuel Management to their list of approved suppliers of fuel for town vehicles.

Leann Perrine, on behalf of the Park Board, announced that the Family Movie Night will be held March 8 at the Arts and Crafts Center.

Also, the town Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Lions Club and Westport Community Center, will be held March 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. The egg hunt will begin at 2 p.m. Organizers are Perrine and Carol Day.

Clerk-treasurer Jane Jordan will be out of office March 10 through 14 to allow for her attendance at the Indiana League of Municipal Clerk-Treasurers’ training sessions at Ball State University. Jordan also teaches sessions at the event.

Posted 3/7/2008