News Stories for Bowell, Indiana
Town of Boswell Establishes Economic Development and Redevelopment Commissions
Boswell Indiana has taken a huge step towards revitalizing the town and surrounding area with the establishment of two important entities, a Redevelopment Commission and an Economic Development Commission. The Redevelopment Commission was established on January 8, 2007 with the appointment of Norman Skoog, Barb Happ, Joe Kult, Jim Shoemaker and Michelle Traylor as Commissioners. Established on February 12, 2007 the Economic Development Commission consists of members Grant Whaley, Pat Carlson, and Tom Happ.

Read the press release click here
Citizens that have concerns on issues in town may contact; Brian Knill 869-4275 Wastewater & Fire Department Ron Harper 869-5842 Water & Street Jerry Barret 869-5441 Police

BOSWELL TOWN MEETING MAY 11 2009
BOSWELL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2009 Brian Knill opened meeting. Minutes from previous meeting were approved. Those present were Brian Knill, Ron Harper, Jerry Barrett, Jim Witt, Matt Shuee, Jim Turner, Jake Martin, Loren Davison, Linda Gibson, Frances Tarter, Betty Turner, Chris & Elaine Flynn, James Sax, Ryan Gillen, Rick Neher, Steven Phelps and Jenifer Crisp. Matt reported to the board that Don Moyars repaired the police car video, the police department had been busy tagging cars and dealing with dogs running loose. Ryan informed the board that $30,000.00 of extrication equipment had been ordered by the county for the fire department and once they complete training they will take over the emergency service. Ryan explained to the board that the container at the fairgrounds was purchased by District 4 for all of Benton County fire departments training. Jim Turner informed the board that the apartment?s water meter would be replaced after the next readings so it would have a full month of usage. Certificate of Insurance turned into the board for Jim?s equipment. Board and Jim discussed a policy for the use of his own equipment and this must be done only with prior approval of the board and a conflict of interest must be turned in for board approval. Jim stated that he will be charging $40.00 an hour for rental of his backhoe and that the job at the old Moews building should be approximately $300.00 to $400.00. Board also discussed problems with brush and voted to purchase lot back from Boswell Trade Center. Board also informed citizens that the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 26th since Memorial Day falls on Monday. Board discussed garbage service bids. All bids were sent to town attorney for an opinion. State Board of Accounts wants towns to stay with one year contract but attorney said the law does not mandate one year contract. Only Phelps Brothers Disposal turned in required state bid forms. James from Allied Services wanted town to rebid to give all a chance to bid multiple years and on the proper forms, Board felt this would not be legal or fair since prices in bids had already been announced and one company already did this correctly. Ron made motion to accept Phelps Brothers bid for a five year contract for a cheaper rate, Brian seconded this motion. New company to start June 1st. Board discussed sink hole at the Tastee Treat where the town had done a tile repair. Board agreed to take a loader of gravel to cover. Board voted to donate $250.00 for the 6th grade graduation t-shirts. Board read and approved Amended Salary Ordinance 2009-1. Meeting adjourned, claims signed, timesheets and absence forms approved.
BOSWELL TOWN MEETING MAY 27 2009
BOSWELL TOWN MEETING MAY 27, 2009 Brian Knill opened meeting. Minutes from previous meeting were approved. Those present were Brian Knill, Ron Harper, Jerry Barrett, Jim Turner, Frances Tarter, Chris & Elaine Flynn, Wanda Rhodes, Jake Martin, Linda Gibson, Don Bacon, Travis Barrett, Rick Neher, Mike Yeary, Jim Witt and Jenifer Crisp. Jim Turner informed the board that the water line at Power Place Products had been repaired, and the meter at the apartments had been replaced. Jerry requested that the potholes be repaired and that this is made a priority. Conflict of interest form for rental of Jim Turner?s backhoe was approved and signed. Board voted to raise salaries 2% for 2010 in all departments. Mike Waber turned in a proposal to the board for replacement of the bushes and shrubs at the park that have died for $2040.30. Board approved. Don Bacon informed the board that the Rotary had received a grant to help with the park, the grant is for $1000.00 with the Rotary matching $1000.00. This will be used toward replacing the bushes and shrubs. Rotary would like to be present when work is being completed. Board voted to have clocked repaired and placed back into the park. Board discussed limb and branch pickup. Board upset about what is being dumped on Main Street lot and feels town is not responsible for getting rid of trees when residents have them removed. They do not want to buy back lot from Trade Center and want town employees to start picking up at each residence one time per month with very strict guidelines on what will be picked up. Town clean up will be scheduled for either June 20th or 27th, whatever date Phelps Brothers has available. Rick Neher informed the board that he is moving from North Carolina to Boswell and is in the planning stage of starting an alpaca farm. He plans on moving into the Kramer property behind the school. He explained about alpaca?s having to be kept in a very clean environment and plans on improving the property. Board told him they do support his project but still had strong feelings against having other livestock or CAFO?s close to town. Meeting adjourned, claims signed, employee absence forms and timesheets signed. Jim Turner approved for ? hour overtime. _______________________________ Brian Knill, President _______________________________ Jenifer Crisp, Clerk-Treasurer
BOSWELL TOWN MEETING JUNE 8 09
BOSWELL TOWN MEETING JUNE 8 2009 Brian Knill opened meeting. Minutes from previous meeting were approved. Those present were Brian Knill, Ron Harper, Jerry Barrett, Carol Strausas, Lodema Anderson, Jim Turner, Julie Bishop, Colleen Courtney, Karalee Ratliff, Chip Dowell, Jake Martin, Betty Turner, Matt Shuee, Jim Witt and Jenifer Crisp. Matt informed the board that a stolen truck had been retrieved in Boswell. Board and Matt also discussed a golf cart ordinance after July1st when the new state law comes into effect. Chris Flynn commended Mike Yeary for stopping speeders on State Road 352 and slowing down traffic through town. Board discussed possibly putting a 4 way stop at Old 41 & 352 to slow down traffic coming off of US 41. Chip Dowell informed the board that the fire department was getting their rescue equipment and training would be complete in the next two weeks. He also requested that town spray for weeds at the fire station. Jim Turner informed the board that the meter at the school would be replaced next week. Board discussed brush & limbs being picked up at residences once a month. Brush to be picked up cannot be no bigger around than 4 inches and no longer than 6 foot. No citizens will be allowed to dump at the wastewater plant or the lot on Main Street. The town will not be responsible for tree or bush removal only normal yard waste. Nothing will be allowed to be put out before the weekend of the pickup on Mondays. Jim Witt informed the board that two motors had burned up at the wastewater plant and had to be replaced. Jim Turner informed the board that the light pole by the recycling bins had been broken off, he said he would contact insurance company. There also had been illegal dumping of car batteries and appliances at the recycling bins. County to be contacted. Board received letter from RDC commission informing the board they were complying with the new requirements of the new state law HEA 1001. Board informed that Joe Spear from INDOT is checking with the county about having Old 41 patched, they are also contacting the railroad company about the condition of the crossing on Old 41. Board discussed the White line law that requires that all towns register with IUPPS by June 30th or can be fined up to $100.00 per day. Town wide rummage sale set for Saturday, July 25th , from 8A to 4P, Teresa Rhodes is organizing this for the town. Board approved 2010 Salary Ordinance with a 2% increase based on weekly pay and changing to make all department heads pay the same. Julie Bishop concerned about the speeding traffic in her area since 19 children live in a 2 block radius. She would also like the storm drain to be checked to see if the tile is ok, area floods when it rains. Julie stated she had lived here for one year and loved being here, she would really like to see something done about the abandon buildings on Main Street. Board informed citizens that Main Street is one of the areas that will be covered in the Comprehensive Planning Grant. All citizens are encouraged to speak to the employees of RW Armstrong that will going door to door to question what citizens want to see for the future of Boswell. Several complaints on citizen living in home next to library. Citizens are offended by signs posted on home and do not want the children in town to see them. Also are worried about the safety of the children in the area. Karalee Ratliff informed the board that she is against an alpaca farm going in next door to her. Board informed her that this is a county issue it will be outside of town limits. Board approved timesheets, absence forms and claims. Meeting adjourned. _______________________________ Brian Knill, President _______________________________ Jenifer Crisp, Clerk-Treasurer
BOSWELL TOWN MEETING APRIL 13 2009
BOSWELL TOWN MEETING APRIL 13, 2009 Brian Knill opened meeting. Minutes from March 23rd and March 30th meetings approved. Those present were Brian Knill, Ron Harper, Jerry Barrett, Wanda Rhodes, Frances Tarter, Jim Turner, Joe Hiscox, Mike Yeary, Ryan Gillen, Jake Martin, Jan Fox, Rae Schnapp, Chris & Samantha Carl & kids, Chris & Elaine Flynn, Steve Phelps & Jenifer Crisp. Resolution to protect utility customers from identity theft required by federal law approved and signed. Board announced that the town was approved for the comprehensive planning grant. More information and meetings will be held at a later date. Ryan update the board on the steak fry, he state that it was the largest turnout ever. They served between 345-355 dinners. 22 firemen have new turnout gear from the FEMA grant money. 2 more firemen have been added to the department and one has been completely equipped with turnout gear with the proceeds from the steak fry. Ryan also informed the board that the county is disbanding the Benton County Rescue, and the county is currently working on funding for the extraction equipment & training for all the county fire departments. All towns will have the same equipment and will be training together. Brian requested that Jim Turner check the meter cover at the Community Center. Brian discussed the state salt purchasing program with Jim and IACT is needing to know how much salt each entity will require. Jim informed Brian that 30 tons would be acceptable. Jim informed the board that the town?s surplus property sold for $7100.00 minus the 5% commission for Scherer?s Auction. Jim told the board that they will be patching streets as soon as the weather gets better. Board requested that Jim turn in a list of the streets that are most in need of repair. Brian discussed 2010 census meeting he attended and how important it was that all of our residents get counted. The town will be promoting the 2010 Census and requesting volunteers. Board agreed on what was needed in the sanitation bid. Steve Phelps from Phelps Brothers questioned board about the town wanted on the bid. Rae Schnapp gave a presentation the to board on the dangers of CAFO?s to our water supply and air quality. Joe Hiscox presented the board and citizens facts on property values when CAFO?s are in the area. He also stated they have sat down and discussed the issues with the people that are wanting to put in CAFO and felt that their concerns were not taken seriously and they will not change their plans such as putting in a methane digester which would make manure storage safer. Brian stated he was very happy with the Community Center landscaping. Brian also informed the other board members that TruGreen had been to the park two times already after they were called and informed town was putting out bids for the service. Chris Carl informed the board that he moved here one year ago because of the windfarms and he liked the community so he moved his family to Boswell. He feels he is being singled out concerning being able to have his trucks at his property where he can work on them with his air tools and other equipment. Board informed him that he was not being singled out and that he could work on his trucks at his house if they were completely off the town?s street and easement. They could be there for 4 hours in a 24 hour period. Ron informed him that the trucks blocking the street were the reason there had been complaints, Chris acknowledge this did happen and would not happen again. Meeting adjourned, claims, absence forms and employee timesheets were approved and signed.
BOSWELL TOWN MEETING APRIL 27, 2009
BOSWELL TOWN MEETING APRIL 27 2009 Brian Knill opened meeting. Minutes from previous meeting were approved. Those present were Brian Knill, Ron Harper, Jerry Barrett, Harold Heffern-Allied Waste, Carol Sloan, Wanda Rhodes, Jim Turner, Ryan Gillen, Tom Runkle-Waste Management, Frances Tarter, John Boardman, Curt Phelps-Phelps Brothers Disposal, Jake Martin, Samantha & Chris Carl, Brandi & Dale Muller, Jessica Nern, Wayne Creech, Elaine & Chris Flynn, Matt Shuee, Jim Witt and Jenifer Crisp. Matt questioned the board on disposing of old equipment, some of which no longer is working. Board suggested he check with John Fields, Benton County Emergency Management, on the old radios and make a record and dispose of the nonworking equipment. Matt also informed the board that he had been tagging cars and some of the citizens had removed the tags. He has a written record of who he tagged and the dates. Matt also informed the board that Mike Yeary would be attending the police academy on June 1st. Ryan informed the board that fire departments and county are still researching the equipment to be purchased for emergency services. Ryan also announced that Tony Davison had received the Top Volunteer Award for $50.00 from the Benton County Community Foundation and the fire department received $500.00. Board questioned Jim Turner on when school meter would be replaced and Jim informed them that when school was out the meter would be replaced. Board also requested that the meter and water line at Power Place Products be made a priority to be fixed and other lines that are causing problems. Board also questioned Southside Apartments meter and wants this completed by May 20th. Board also wants potholes on Main Street filled. Board discussed brush on lot on Main Street and other available areas to put brush. Jerry to talk to Pud about transferring lot back to town. Brian announced that the town needs volunteers for the 2010 census. Brian also informed other board members that he will be attending a K-IRPC meeting on Thursday and have more information on the comprehensive planning grant. The grant is now in the 30 day setting up period. Board would like for Hunter to be sent another email about salary ordinance changes. Board opened sealed bids for trash service: Phelps Brothers- $41769.00, Waste Management-$53550.00, Allied Waste- $44982.00 Prices for service was based on entering into a 3-5 contract. State Board of Accounts to be contacted to check on Indiana codes for the bid process. Company will be chosen at the next town meeting. Ron questioned whether burn barrels would be picked up and was informed that only one time per year with town wide clean up. Meeting adjourned, claims signed, absence forms & employee timesheets approved. _____________________________ Brian Knill, President _____________________________ Jenifer Crisp, Clerk-Treasurer
BOSWELL CABLE INFORMATION
We converted the Channels 3,6,7,8 and 13 for Digital TV two days ago. Channels 10, 11 and 12 should be done in the next week, just waiting on a couple parts??Channel 4 we are talking to the Engineer at the The TV Station because they are broadcasting on a low digital signal but we believe that they should be turning up the signal on or before 2/17/09 deadline. Best Regards, Todd Harris Full Choice Communications, Inc. dba Indiana Communications
Town wide rummage sale set for Saturday, July 25th , from 8A to 4P, Teresa Rhodes is organizing this for the town.

ANNUAL TOWN WIDE CLEAN UP DAY SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2009 The Annual Town Clean Up Day will be on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Pickup will begin promptly at 9:00 am. Please have all trash at curb by this time. Items are not to be put out prior than 2 days prior to Saturday. Businesses must call Phelps Brothers Disposal at 765-793-7825, Ext. 10. Services are for residential customers only. Items must be placed in close proximity to each other and not spread out in front of the residence. ITEMS THAT WILL NOT BE PICKED UP: Concrete, Wood longer than 4? or with a diameter larger than 4?, Bricks, Large metal objects like angle iron or anything thicker than 3/8?, Items containing Freon, Cast iron tubs or sinks, Tires, Lawn mowers, Dirt, Rocks, Appliances, Batteries (car or truck). 2009 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE & TIRE COLLECTION NORTHWEST INDIANA SOLID WASTE DISTRICT 800-856-0980 TIRES August 8, 2009 8 am ? noon Benton County Highway Garage, Fowler HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE August 8, 2009 8 am- noon Benton County Recycling Center