Spending caution urged for Lapel

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LAPEL — Lapel Clerk-treasurer Dennis Molina stepped on the brakes when Councilman David Taylor asked permission to buy a partially rebuilt dump truck.

Taylor said the exterior of the truck was new and the motor and other parts under the hood were rebuilt. The cost of the truck was quoted at $59,000, according to Taylor.

“Where are we going to get the $59,000?” Molina asked. He reminded the council recent purchases included two new police cars and two new pickup trucks for the municipal fleet.

Town attorney Bill Byers said the council should solicit bids if it is looking for a new dump truck; however, the cost represented a unique savings opportunity and the town could document an exception in the bid requirements by documenting the bargain price based on the current condition of the vehicle.

“You want to be careful, though. Too much spending could very well trigger an audit,” Byers said.

The council delayed a vote on the dump truck and asked for a search for other available vehicles and possible solicitation of bids before purchasing.

In other business:

• The council issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 11 as an official day of celebration of Indiana’s 200th anniversary of statehood.

• Molina asked for help clearing up a scar on the town’s credit rating. Molina said he was contacted by a collection agency for an outstanding debt related to a response to a gas leak. The bill originated with the Lapel-Stony Creek Fire Territory and was paid within days of receipt. “It’s showing up on our credit record,” Molina said. Byers said he will contact the agency to clarify the situation.

• The council reversed an earlier decision to deny the replatting of five lots in the Huntzinger housing development.

The land originally was platted in 1976. In November, developers came to the council with a plan to eliminate two earlier proposed access roads and add an additional lot. On Dec. 1, developers revised their plan by continuing with plans to delete two of the access roads but make the additional lot smaller than the original proposal and widen streets in that section of the addition.

• The council scheduled an executive session for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 to work on a salary ordinance. The new ordinance is expected to come before the council Dec. 15 for adoption during the regularly scheduled meeting.

• Planning committeeman Gary Shuck reminded the council of a special planning meeting to hear comment from residents about the recent rezoning of land on the southeast side of town for a new apartment complex. That meeting is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Lapel Lions Club, 329 S. Main St.

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