Last night the Ferdinand Town Council discussed the possibility of joining the cities of Jasper and Huntingburg in providing the community a more ideal emergency notification system. The service would be provided through Ferdinand’s website provider, eGov.
Ferdinand Town Council president, Ken Sicard describes the cell based system.
The service would cover a wide rage of emergencies and issues. For example, if a serious accident took place involving hazardous materials, a notice would be provided. Any citizen is eligible to sign up for the program, which is completely voluntary.
In other business last night the council received updates on a couple big issues including a company’s request to install a cell tower north of Ferdinand situated in the vicinity of a residential neighborhood. The suggestion of building a cell tower in that location has drawn the ire of a number of residents in the area.
But Sicard says there is an issue that might put a halt to those plans before the town can act on the situation.
Sicard went on to say that even if the FAA were to approve the proposed cell tower, the idea would still need to overcome a number of hurdles before the council discusses the issue and passes along a final approval.
Finally last night the council addressed the issue of the town’s failed contract with Monster Recycling.
Last month, the Ferdinand Town Council authorized town attorney Bill Schaneyfelt to file a lawsuit against Monster owner Paul Voegerl Sr. to recoup $9,000 town officials believe they are owed due to a breach of contract.
Back in August, Monster Recycling decided to end their contract with the town due to heavy financial losses. At that time, the council voted to go for $1,500 and the return of the recycling bins. Shaneyfelt then sent letters to Voegerl informing him of the council’s decision and asked for the money and bins to avoid a lawsuit. The council says Voegerl did not respond to the letter and are now pursuing legal action for the amount of 9-thousand dollars.
Sicard says unfortunately a lawsuit was the town council’s only option and course of action.
Sicard and other town officials were hopeful that Voegerl would come forward with a settlement offer before the lawsuit would reach the courts.
The next Ferdinand Town Council Meeting is set for December 15th.
