Ferdinand Town Council: Recycling bins to be delivered to homeowners this Friday

Ferdinand Town Council members discussed the upcoming premium recycling plan at their meeting Tuesday night. They learned representatives from Monster Recycling had been scoping the town for an appropriate pick-up route, but did not know when service would begin.

It was not until after the meeting that word was received from Paul Voegerl, owner of Monster Recycling, that the recycling bins will be delivered to Ferdinand residences this Friday, December 13, with the first pick-up slated for next Monday, December 16.

This letter at provides details of the new program.

Councilwoman Debbie Johnson said she has heard nothing but positive comments about the program and knows residents are anxious for it to begin. President Ken Sicard agreed.

Fire Department update

At meetings end, Ferdinand fireman and First Responder Tom Fleck, who has served 27 1/2 years on the fire department, 10 of those as either assistant chief or deputy chief, received a rousing ovation.

Fleck is retiring at the end of this year, as is his wife, Donna, who was, according to Chief Dan Lindauer, a tremendous asset to the Firemen’s Auxiliary.

Earlier in the meeting Chief Lindauer introduced two of three new firefighters who are joining the department and will be sworn in following a drug screen. They are Mitch Haas, son of firefighter Brad Haas, and Josh Stenftenagel. The third recruit is Chris Miller, former firefighter and current full time police officer for the town (who was unable to attend).

Mitch spent seven years as a Junior Firefighter and has attended training, helped with Adopt-A-Highway and other programs.

Josh spent 10 years as a St. Henry Volunteer Firefighter but recently relocated to Ferdinand. “I want to be part of the community,” he said.

Stenftenagel has attained both FF1 and FF2 status, is a certified Safety officer and Hazmat specialist. His lengthy list of certifications will benefit the department.

“We’re lucky to have you,” enthused Johnson, who said earlier in the meeting, “The Department wouldn’t be what it is without our volunteers.”

Following the ovation Fleck quipped, “Did you notice it took three [firefighters] to replace me?”

The council also:

• Learned Detective Brian Seffernick is now a certified child safety seat specialist, the second officer to receive this designation. According to Chief Ricky Patton, the Police Department is establishing a permanent child safety seat inspection station (by appointment), staffed by nationally certified techs who will inspect car seats and instruct families how to properly secure them in their vehicles. Parents and caregivers are advised to call the Ferdinand PD at 812-482-9111 to schedule an appointment.

• Heard an offer has been tendered to one of the nine Town Manager candidates interviewed for the position (18 applications were received) and are awaiting a decision. A special meeting may be scheduled to make it official.

• Approved two change orders for the Pedestrian/Bike Trail project as presented by Becky Braley with Strand. The first just adjusted the completion date by five days. The second involves the addition of eight ballards and replacement of two light poles for a total cost of $12,202. Even with the change orders the project is still $26,446.38 under budget.

• Heard from Property and Street Superintendent Tom Lueken that loose leaf pick-up is officially over; however, residents can still dispose of leaves at the west side disposal site.

• Approved up to $4,500 (including installation) for a stainless steel poly-spreader with an electric motor from Meyer Truck Equipment.

• Heard reports from all department heads.

• Told residents in attendance who are concerned about a possible stage/amphitheatre being built in 18th Street Park that while they are not ready to drop the project completely, they have decided to take a step back, continue to research viable options and not rush into anything. Councilman Ron Weyer said he believes it would provide an opportunity for youth not involved in sports. Council Sicard said he received a lot of letters in support and “If we lose the money [donations to pay for the structure], so be it.”

• Handled many of the typical year end activities, such as signing nepotism documents, transferring money to cover negative balances and adopting salary ordinances.

• Amended the Public Street Lighting ordinance.

• Agreed the town flag should not fly in foul weather.

• Heard the advertised tax rate of .7662 was reduced to .6371 by the Department of Local Government Finance and the Town budget was reduced by $10,000 to be taken from the Cum Cap Development Fund. The Town’s assessed value is up from $104 million in 2012 to $105,324,077.

• Heard from resident Don Farina that Police Chief Ricky Patton should carry a Glock 22-40 semi automatic instead of his personal Sig so that in the event of a shoot out, all officers can share their ammunition.

The Plan Commission will meet at 7 p.m. on December 18. The next regular council meeting will be January 14.