LEESBURG — The Leesburg railroad track crossings were discussed at the monthly meeting Monday, April 9. Council members emphasized that the town council does not have the authority to take care of the railroad track crossings in town. The crossing at Prairie Street is in particularly poor condition, resulting in residents inquiring when repairs will be made. Council Vice-President Doug Jones stated that council members have been making efforts for the past year to have this issue addressed. 

“The town of Leesburg has no control over this. The railroad crossings are the responsibility of the railroad and it’s illegal for us to do anything to them,” said Leesburg Street Superintendent Craig Charlton. “We’re at their mercy.”

Residents are advised to continue calling the 1-800 number listed on the sign posted at the railroad crossings.

During his monthly street presentation, Charlton reported no major equipment issues. He informed council members of a sizable hole in the alley behind 104 N. Jefferson St., explaining that it appears the old storm water drain may have a hole which is causing a vacuum to form. Charlton filled the hole to provide a temporary solution. Council members agreed that the next step would be to have a camera set in that area in order to see what they are dealing with. 

Charlton also reported that four parking violations were issued, each with a $25 fine. All violations were issued on Van Buren Street.

Council President Tom Moore stated that in order to spend EDIT account monies, a plan is required. A capital improvement plan was read at the meeting, which stated that EDIT fund money will be used for capital improvements in the town of Leesburg, including but not limited to, the renovation and remodeling of the Leesburg town hall building. The planning, development and construction of the project is anticipated to be completed in 2018 or 2019. This plan was unanimously adopted at the meeting. 

Council Member Christina Archer pointed out that per current plans for renovation of the town hall building, there will be two restrooms but no separate sink area.

“It occurred to me that we do not have some type of small sink and cabinet that could be used when preparing coffee or other drinks when someone is working at the office,” said Archer. “I say this based on experience with the school district I used to work for where we had a teacher work area that had bathrooms but no place to rinse things off.”

“My main concern is having a small sink with a little cabinet space that didn’t involve having to wash out your coffee pot or other items in the sink in the bathrooms,” said Archer. This was determined to be a feasible option and will be considered as the renovation process proceeds. 

Council members unanimously approved Sue Charlton’s request for the annual Leesburg Memorial Day parade and service. The parade will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 28, with line up downtown by 10:15 a.m. A service will take place immediately following the parade at the cemetery. Public parking will be available in the Maple Leaf parking lot, located at 101 E. Church St.

Other News:

• Attorney Scott Reust filled in for Vern Landis. 
• No parking is allowed on any street in Leesburg between the hours of 3-5 a.m.
• No burning is allowed in the town of Leesburg. 
• Sidewalks are the responsibility of the resident and are to be cleared of snow, per town ordinance. Trees and bushes in the tree lawn are the responsibility of the resident and are to be trimmed to permit safe passage on streets and sidewalks, including alleyways.
• A complete list of Leesburg town ordinances can be found at https://www.leesburgindiana.com/information
• The next regular meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 14.