By MARGARET L. WILLIS

Though questions and frustrations abound, the Burns Harbor Town Council unanimously approved renewing the contract with the Porter County Animal Shelter to pick up stray animals in town.

Police Chief Jerry Price, asked if he has been happy with the service said “Am I pleased when we’re told if you catch it, we’ll come get it? No. I am hesitant to ask the general public to try to catch possibly dangerous animals.”

The town pays $682 annually for stray animal pick-up, which includes the right of residents to drop off stray animals at the shelter. The shelter is funded through donations and county taxes, which residents already pay.

Council member Mike Perrine said perhaps the town needs to develop a separate contract with someone to actually catch problem animals.

The Animal Control Department will come pick up animal carcasses, but will pick up live animals within municipalities only if they are already confined, Price noted.

In other business, the council approved the park department’s request to spend up to $1,280 for a trailer to transport mowing equipment between park units. The funds will come from the Cumulative Capital Development Fund.

Building Commissioner Randall Lopez reported issuing seven new building permits in August; four certificates of occupancy and performing 10 inspections.

The Police Department responded to the scene of 12 vehicle accidents in August, two with personal injuries. Sixteen arrests, three of those felonies, were made and 69 citations were issued. Officers gave out 128 written and verbal warnings and answered 236 calls to service. Squad cars traveled 8,663 miles.

Also, Price reported that a Porter County grant has been received to install two more digital cameras on squad cars. “All of our squads will be equipped,” he said.

The council unanimously approved the decommissioning of an old Crown Victoria squad car and will open up the sale of it by closed bid.

Wentz reported that his street department has completed installation of prisoner barriers in four of the police department squad cars.

The Fire Department had a “busy month,” Fire Chief Bill Arney said. Twenty-four calls were answered, resulting in 13 hours and 47 minutes on emergency scenes.

Firefighters spent 203 man hours in training and on duty at the station and department vehicles traveled 404 miles.

The council is moving ahead with adding a street light at the northwest corner of the intersection with U.S. 20 and Salt Creek Rd.

Street Department head Doug Wentz reported the permit for a right-of-way to be obtained from the Indiana Department of Transportation has been received and that he has made three calls so far to NIPSCO to begin arranging the hook-up for installation, but has had no response.

Road paving will begin, with West North Boo Rd. the first on the priority list. The department has $60,000 to spend on paving this season.

Under old business, Lopez told the council he is still awaiting word from the owner of the Moneypenny property on a schedule of improvements for his approval.

Parkinson said his office is still awaiting a response from the Indiana American Water Company on an agreement for water shut-off for non-payment of sewer bills.

40 Years Marked

The town’s 40th anniversary had many thinking back and reflecting on the town’s history and residents.

Council president Jim McGee made special note of the long-time public service of two people in particular.

Richard Bolinger has been on the council and served the town for 20 years, McGee pointed out, prompting a round of applause.

Police Chief Jerry Price has been with the town Police Force for a total of 25 years, which also prompted a round of applause.

Posted 9/13/2007