By By NORMA LERNER / Edwardsburg Argus
EDWARDSBURG - The Village of Edwardsburg got some new flags, not the kind that fly high on a flag pole though. They are little flags to mark the fire hydrants.
Trustee Jacque Tighe reported Monday night during the village council meeting that the flags are being placed on all the hydrants so that the snowplow driver can see them. It becomes particularly dangerous when there is a lot of snow and the snowmobilers cannot see them, she said. "There could be a major catastrophe."
Tighe said it is the intent to get a flag on each hydrant; however, they will be removed from the hydrants during the summer months.
Tighe also reported that the water meters were read with the new reader. Expect for a few glitches, things went well.
Trustee Jerry Jacobs said the streets are getting a few potholes this time of year, but they are being filled in by the street department.
In other business, George Streeter of 69228 Center Street questioned the village council members about a drainage ditch that he claims was dug on his property when Section Street was widened two years ago. Water pools on his property from the ditch, he said.
Streeter was told by President James Robinson that the village doesn't have the $9,000 to $10,000 to work on the ditch or to put in dry wells. He requested that Streeter bring in a deed to show where the easement is located to his property.
Streeter said after the meeting, he contacted county Drain Commissioner Jeff VanBelle who said he can't do anything about it and it is an illegal ditch. Streeter said the foreman on the construction crew on Section Street said at least 20 feet was required to make a legal drainage ditch.
The council discussed that the engineer on the project was contacted and learned a subcontractor wasn't paid. Robinson said this is a major problem as $27,000 can't be touched until this issue is resolved.
The council set a budget workshop at 10 a.m. on March 12 and a budget hearing at 7:15 p.m. on March 21.