Ferdinand Town Council: MasterBrand adding more jobs; requested additional abatement

On the economic front, the good news just keeps coming.

Scott Denhart and Jessica Heathman, both representing MasterBrand, attended the Ferdinand Town Council meeting Tuesday night to request another tax abatement — this one for personal property/equipment and real estate.

One of the largest cabinet manufacturers in the Unites States is growing again and this time is committing to infrastructure improvements totalling $1.2 million and additional equipment valued at $2.2 million.
They have also committed to adding 194 employees — that’s in addition to the previous commitment of 135 jobs. These will be phased in on an incremental basis between October of this year and February of next.

This expansion ties in with the recent announcement made by Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann but brings the expected new hires to 353 within the next nine months.

The nine year abatement provides for 100% abatement the first six years, 75% in year seven, 50% in year eight and 25% in year nine.

With no reservations, council members approved Declaratory Resolution TA14-02, setting the abatement process in motion.

When asked if there were any questions, Council President Ken Sicard said, “I have no questions. I’m thrilled, just thrilled.”

Denhart concurred. “We’re thrilled to be able to do it this [expansion],” he enthused. “The economy’s coming back.”

As part of the process, a pubic hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, the next regular council meeting at 8 p.m.

Street Projects

Before presenting his suggested 2014 street improvement projects, Property and Street Manager Tom Lueken wanted to give members of the Psi Iota Xi Sorority their due. “They weed and plant at Town Hall, the Police Station and the parks. They need to be recognized — they do it year after year, And this year was a challenge.”

Lueken then went on to read the six streets he has ear-marked for paving:
1) East 7th Street between Michigan and Carolina.
2) East 2nd Street between Illinois and Michigan.
3) Maryland Street between 7th and 8th.
4) Northview Drive between 18th and 21st.
5) Maple Drive between East 22nd and SR 264.
6). Scenic Hills Industrial Drive entrance area off West 3rd Street.

He explained that while 13th Street from Main to Iowa (near the old railroad right-of-way) is in need of repair, that section of roadway will be impacted by the water main replacement project currently in the works, so repaving will have to wait.

To expedite paving projects, the council approved the list and authorized Attorney Bill Shaneyfelt to work with Lueken on bid documents in preparation for a July 8 bid opening.

Town-wide Clean Sweep

According to Ferdinand Town Manager Chris James, seven organizations answered the challenge issued by German American Bank to help make a “clean sweep” of the community this Saturday, May 17. These include Kiwanis, Forest Park Band, Forest Park Band Boosters, Knights of Columbus, Forest Park Community Impact Club, Ferdinand Historical Society and Senior Citizens.

Prior to setting off with trash bags, Officer Brian Seffernick will provide safety tips to the volunteers.
GAB officials agreed to pay $25 per bag (up to $300) to the organizations for picking up litter along local streets.

The council also:

• Learned Police Officer Chris Miller resigned effective May 4 and authorized Chief Ricky Patton to seek a replacement. All current reserves will be considered and others can apply using the Town’s website, until May 29.

• Approved sending Officer Nathan Lueken to Instructor Development Training in Richmond (through the Police Academy) June 24-27. The cost of training is $250; lodging and transportation adds another $200.

• Heard from Town Manager Chris James that Bernardin Lochmueller is still surveying for the planned water main replacement.

• Learned that James and Lueken are updating the street classification map with the assistance of the Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission to allow for potential grants to repair the arteries coming into Ferdinand. Lueken is also working to identify a list of streets to crack seal so as to preserve them.

• Heard from Sicard that Frontier has reached out to see how the phone provider can improve service to Ferdinand. He will suggest removing phone poles in town (at the company’s expense) and to that end, Utility Superintendent Henry Haake has been inventorying the poles to determine which ones belong to the town, which ones to Frontier and who has what where as the town works to transition electric poles to underground lines along Main Street.

• Were told trash and recycling pick-up following the Memorial Day holiday is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28 instead of Monday, May 26.

• Learned from Wastewater Superintendent Roger Schaefer that due to the inordinate amount of rainfall, his staff has been televising residential lines for homeowners for everything from sink holes to flooded basements. He is also working with Jon Wetzel from Midwestern Engineers on a quote to coat the west side clarifier.

• Heard from Clerk-Treasurer Bev Schulthise that $118,920.31 would pay off the Town’s Build Indiana Loan, including $88,690.31 from the Sewer Dept., $28,184.69 from the Water Dept. and $2,045.31 in interest. Because the loan is fixed at 3.5%, much higher than the less than 1% the money is earning, the council agreed paying it off makes good financial sense.

• Adopted revisions to the animal control ordinance (amended 2014-08) to allow for the use of properly functioning electronic leashes.

• Heard there were 40 applicants for the town office position and interviews should begin next week.

• Adopted Ordinance 2014-09, amending the code dealing with trash collection, to allow special terms for senior center residents. Ferdinand Housing will be billed for disposal (a two month average was 16 bags per week) at a rate of $104 per month.

• Agreed to partner with the Ferdinand Chamber of Commerce to help sponsor the Rotary’s Athena Award, splitting the $550 cost. Both entities will be recognized in the program and be able to send representatives.

• Learned Cassie Dilger and Demi John will run the summer recreation program.

• Learned from Park Board President Scott Tretter that an adult exercise system will be installed at 18th Street Park, and plans are coming together for a playground near the upper shelter.

The Ferdinand Park Revisions Committee will meet this Friday at 7:30 a.m. in Town Hall, BZA and Plan Commission on May 28 at 6:30 and 7 p.m., respectively and Town Council at 7:30 p.m. on June 3.