Published: August 27, 2008 11:20 am         

Veedersburg seeks reserve police force

VEEDERSBURG, Ind. — Veedersburg is looking for volunteer reserve officers.

Town Marshal Neil Beck told the town council Tuesday night the town cannot afford any additional police officers at this time.

The town’s last option to get additional police protection is to seek volunteer reserve officers.

“To be a reserve you must be at least 21 years old, have at least a GED, pass a background check, take a 20 hour pre-basic officer online training course, and pass a written test,” Beck said. “Those interested will also learn hand-to-hand combat training and firefighter training.”

The council stressed that reserve officer positions are strictly volunteer and unpaid.

“In defense of our police, they are doing everything they can to protect the town,” Councilman Seth Hoagland said.

Besides looking for reserve officers, the town council also discussed refiguring the police officer schedule and reviewing the ordinance considering overtime for police officers.

“The public doesn’t understand that the town just doesn’t have the money to cover additional salaries at this time,” Councilman Chris Rahm said. “The police department and town are doing the best we can.”

In other business, town council members:

--Learned the repair work on the town’s No. 4 well is complete. Work has begun on well No 1.

--Learned from town Superintendent Paul Keeling that the town’s jet hose needs to be replaced. Keeling brought a quote of $1,760 for a 400-foot hose from Central Indiana Rubber of Crawfordsville. Hoagland recommended Keeling also get a price quote from a similar business in Danville. The council approved a purchase from the business that Keeling finds to be cheaper since the hose is need as soon as possible.

--Reviewed pricing for street sweepers. Waste water Superintendent Connie Sichts recommended the town consider a vacuum truck instead of a sweeper since a vacuum truck could have more possible uses. The council said the pricing was only for review, because they cannot afford either at this time.

--Learned from electric Superintendent George Gowens that the electric lines on the west side of North Sterling Avenue have been relocated underground. The electric department should begin moving electric lines underground along the old railroad right of way from between Mill and Perry streets in about two weeks.

--Reviewed a price quote from Glascock Equipment and Sales Inc. of Veedersburg for a Bobcat vehicle costing $27,538 and a stump grinder attachment for the Bobcat costing $5,987. The town will not make a purchase until a vehicle/machinery demonstration is conducted by Glascock.

--Approved Adam Houser’s promotion in the electric department from laborer to beginning apprentice. The council also approved reimbursing Houser for his college tuition and books as long as he maintains his good grades.

--Approved the radio maintenance contract for the police and fire departments with Ra-com of Lafayette.

--Learned from Steve Phelps of Phelps Brothers of Covington that leaky trash truck problem has been addressed. Phelps apologized for the problem and said he would also address any place in town where the garbage water left behind lingering stains and smells on the streets.

--Listen to Lisa Culp’s request for the town to put in a gravel road back to her property at 560 McCown St. The council promised to look into the matter since the street was never closed back to her property.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Veedersburg Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. EDT Sept. 9 at the Veedersburg Municipal Building.