Spencer Council awards sewer contract, approves events

Spencer Town Council members Jon Stantz, Evan McKalip and Ginger Kohr moved forward with a significant infrastructure investment during the council's regular meeting on April 6, officially awarding a multi-million-dollar contract for wastewater improvements.

The council voted to award a $7,777,777.00 contract to Graves Construction Services, Inc. for Phase 1 of the Wastewater Improvements Project. The motion, made by McKalip and seconded by Stantz, passed unanimously.

In other business, the town formalized its partnership regarding local greenery. Julie Coffin presented a joint use maintenance agreement between the town and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) concerning the "triangle" at the intersection of East Morgan and North Fletcher Streets. While the Owen County Garden Club currently maintains the area, the state requires a formal agreement with the town. The council approved the measure with a 3-0 vote.

Local shopping is set to return to the downtown area this summer. The council approved an event registration for "Sales on the Square," which will take place on Franklin Street between Main and Washington Streets. The events are scheduled for the last Saturday of each month from May through October, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spencer Police Chief Terry Sips provided several updates to the council:

Advisory appointments: The council approved appointments for the Owen County Community Corrections Advisory Board and the Owen County Justice Re-investment Advisory Council.

Training: Chief Sips was to attend a Law Enforcement Executive Session from April 20-24.

IT upgrades: The council approved two quotes from AME, totaling over $2,255 for IT room cleanup and virtual private network (VPN) license renewals.

Traffic concerns: Council president Stantz requested an increased police presence along Hillside Avenue in the mornings before school due to a recent uptick in traffic.

The town is also evaluating future economic development. Responses to a request for qualifications for the proposed Industrial Park Project were received from American Structurepoint, Inc., HWC Engineering and Commonwealth Engineers. These proposals are currently under further review by the town.