Frank Denzler
The Carthage Town Board has been busy in recent months with a number of issues and addressing new items of business.
During a December meeting the town agreed to extend the contract with the Carthage Fire Department at a annual cost of $25,000. The agreement also came with changes from previous contacts; chiefly, the department will no longer be required to flush fire hydrants in the community and the requirement that the department also provide emergency medical services was deleted.
The town board noted that although the department currently provides emergency medical services and first response medical service to the town, pursuant to an agreement between the CFD and Rush County the county pays the CFD for providing those services.
The town’s five-member board — Rick Bush, Wanda Henderson, Doris Wyatt, Bill Armstrong and Jack Taylor — voted to retain Bush as board president and Henderson as vice president.
During a recent public hearing, held prior to the regular monthly business meeting, board members approved amendments to the Rush County Comprehensive Plan regarding the construction of wind towers. The approval will limit the height of the towers from base to tip to a height of 225 feet to 250 feet and set regulatory setbacks of property lines.
In another matter, regarding a tower of a different nature, Henderson informed members of the impending construction of a cell tower on property outside of the town limits.
During a December Works meeting board members voted to approve a $200 year-end bonus for six town employees: Dan Murphy, Jimmie Alcorn, Robbie Hamilton, Hershel Kaster, Bryan McMahan and Sandy Jackson.
In a final matter, a contract for town marshal Dan Murphy was also a topic of discussion.
Currently, Murphy works an average of 70 hours a week in the rural community at a rate of $12 an hour. During the December meeting it was decided that board members will conduct a comparison with towns comparable in size to Carthage before rendering their decision. Consideration will also be given for funding for Murphy to attend the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy for training.
Currently the marshal is required to “clock-in” prior to beginning his shift. It is anticipated that once on salary Murphy’s hours will be regulated and monitored by the town board.
Attorney Chuck Todd will draw up a contract regarding the town marshal and it will be acted on by board members at the next meeting.
During an earlier meeting Rush County Highway Superintendent Jerry Sitton attended and informed board members on developments regarding the first two phases of a three phase road improvement of the Carthage/Knightstown Pike. According to Sitton, the first two phases will be completed during 2009 with the final phase completed in 2010.
Once complete the road will have 11-foot lanes and four-foot shoulders.
Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.
