Several issues were brought to the Ferdinand Town Council’s attention at Tuesday night’s monthly meeting.
One hot topic discussed was broadband.
Dubois Strong President, Ed Cole, brought the issue before the council because it’s hard for residents in rural parts of the county to get internet access.
Cole says this issue should have been discussed a long time ago, and says it is time to act now.
According to Cole, the first step is forming a Broadband Committee to conduct a broadband study.
Cole says these steps are essential to making a difference. Without them, Ferdinand is not eligible for federal funding and grants.
The water system on Ferdinand’s southeast side was also brought to the council’s attention.
According to Water Supervisor, Roger Schaefer, the new Scenic Hills at the Monastery needs a new backup service.
Schaefer brought an idea forward to the council. He proposed creating a new pipe and connecting it to the current pipe that already runs along St. Benedict drive, a 10-inch pipe going west to Florida Street, and finally an 8-inch pipe running north and connecting to the East Eighth Street pipe.
When connected together, these pipes would form a loop.
The town council agreed to help with this project.
Later in the meeting, Town Manager Chris James mentioned that he went to Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center for a meeting about creating a safe haven box for babies in Ferdinand.
According to James, there are 16 boxes statewide. And the nearest box is located in Mount Vernon.
And two students from Jasper Middle School are already presenting the idea to organizations and starting fundraising.
James also mentioned how successful this year’s Christkindlmarkt was.
According to James, about 10,000 people attended this year’s Christkindlmarkt.
And speaking of the Christmas season, the council approved when the town’s Christmas tree lighting is. This year’s lighting takes place on Friday, December 6th at 6:30 in the green space near Universal Design’s building on Main Street.
And you better watch out, because Santa Claus is coming to town for the tree lighting too.
The final Ferdinand Chamber of Commerce dinner is Wednesday, December 4th at 5:30 pm in the Ferdinand Community Center. This is the last dinner before the Ferdinand and Huntingburg Chambers merge and become the Dubois County Chamber of Commerce.
Towards the end of the meeting, the council was informed about Matt Widolf’s reappointment to the Ferdinand Board of Zoning Appeals, and Town Council President Ken Sicard appointed Don Farina Sr. to the board of zoning appeals. Both of these positions are 4-year terms.
And finally, after months of hard work, the new employee handbook is almost complete. A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21st at 6 pm in Town Hall.
