LAPEL — The Town of Lapel text and e-mail alert system, which was first recommended at the council’s initial 2019 meeting on Jan. 3, has gone live.
The announcement of the available alerts came at the Feb. 7 town council meeting at the Eagles Lodge.
The alert system gives residents notification, through either text message or email, of problems in the area, such as weather- related emergencies, water or gas main breaks, boil water advisories, traffic flow changes and other warnings or dangers.
It is a free service, and residents can register to opt in at https://alerts.lapelindiana.org.
Any resident interested but unable to register online or who does not have an email address, but has a cellphone, can go to town hall and fill out a form to be included in the new system.
Two officers hired, another on the way
Police Chief Kelly Naselroad announced the hiring of two new full-time officers.
Michael Garner and Timothy Petty are the new policemen, replacing officers who recently left the Lapel squad.
Naselroad said he has plans on hiring a third officer to replace Michael Porter, who will be leaving soon.
Naselroad said a third officer is scheduled to be introduced and all three sworn in at the town council meeting scheduled for today, Thursday, Feb. 21.
No credit given for missed trash service
The town council voted not to give residents a credit for missed trash pickup service that was caused by record-breaking cold temperatures.
President Deb Wainscott said she believed most residents would understand, considering it was a situation out of anyone’s control.
The requested credit would have been for $3.14.
In other news, the council:
• Approved a $1,326 quote for a new water softener from Water Works. It was the lowest quote received. Other quotes ranged from $1,400 to $1,600.
• Decided to look into a parking problem at Olevia’s Gingersnaps Day Care, at the request of resident Kenny Bourke.
• Planned to look into another parking issue request from a resident of West Seventh Street. The concern is of parking, as well as a flooding problem since the opening of Fort Lapelton Automotive. The resident said the situation could make it difficult for emergency vehicles to get to his house in some circumstances.
• Approved two town employees going on overnight gas training in Effingham, Illinois.
• Discussed traffic and zoning ordinances and who is responsible for enforcing them.