Loogootee Common Council Focuses on Safety and Community

At Monday’s meeting, the Loogootee Common Council gave support to public safety and community-building. 

The Council heard a first reading of an ordinance to prohibit parking alongside the City Square. This will include Public Street, Main Street, and North Line Street. Parking is also not allowed on 231, but this should already be covered in previous legislation. That will be verified before the next reading. There was also a first reading for an ordinance establishing rules for park trails. Members noted that the trails were suitable for walking, but not for high-speed transport. The ordinance states that no vehicles, bicycles, or skateboards of any kind will be allowed on the park grounds except for devices specifically designed to help those with disabilities. There will be a second reading next month for both items. 

An ordinance was passed to name the area informally known as the green space, located between Church Street, Railroad Street, and 1 st Street. Effective immediately, the area will now be known as the Loogootee Community Pavilion. An ordinance was also passed naming the fountain in the City Square as the Lions Legacy Fountain. 
 
Updates were provided on the Oak Street Apartments. Crews were about 30 days ahead of schedule before the inclement weather and are now on time. It is estimated that the warmer temperatures ahead will allow them to be ahead of schedule once work resumes. Over 30 applications have already been received for the apartments. The expected completion date is in approximately one year. 

The total expenditures for Christmas in downtown this year were discussed to identify which items should be prioritized in next year’s budget. The total was about $15,000, with some larger ticket items like the skating rink at about $8000 and the deer at $1800. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus were also very popular. The estimate suggested for an appropriate budget for next year was $20,000-$25,000. 

In an earlier meeting, the fire chief expressed an urgent need for new radios. The Council agreed to support the request, asking that he provide a total purchase price to the Mayor for his approval. Once that is done, the Council said that the radios should be purchased as soon as possible through the LIT (Local Income Tax) fund. The decision was approved unanimously. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.loogootee.in.gov 

 - Drew Hasselbring