Bourbon Town Council Hears from Department Heads

Bourbon Department heads reported to the Town Council last week. 

Chief Bill Martin asked for permission to hire Steve Watkins as a part-time officer for the department.  The Chief said Watkins is a certified police officer who grew up in Bourbon and worked in law enforcement in New York.  He works full-time in Kosciusko County and would like to serve the citizens of Bourbon on a part-time basis.    

Chief Martin also asked the council to approve Josh Wagers as a reserve officer for the department. Wagers lives in Bourbon and has worked for the Marshall County Jail and currently works for the K-County Jail.  He’s also received the 40-hour pre-basic training and has a little bit of experience. 

Councilman Terry Clemens asked if there was an opening for the reserves and Chief Martin said they are currently at 6 but a couple of them are out on medical leave.

The Bourbon Town Council approved Chief Martin’s requests.

Roger Terry from the Street Department asked the Bourbon Town Council if they wanted him to proceed with applying for a Community Crossing Grant in the second round.  He was unsure if the required 25% matching funds were available.  Terry said he has some streets to consider for the grant.

Council member Terry Clemens asked if the grant opportunity was a benefit to the town and Terry said yes.  The council then agreed to move forward with an additional application for 2022 funding from the Community Crossings Grant.   

It was also noted that E&B Paving has agreed to make the Bourbon Community Crossing projects a priority since it impacts both main streets to get to the school.  Work should be completed prior to the start of school on August 10^th.   

Chuck DeWitt, Bourbon’s Plan Consultant told the Town Council he is working on some unsafe properties within the town limits. He said he also did a Stop Work Order for one property owner who started construction without a permit and assessed a fine.   

Bourbon Fire Chief Chad Step told the Town Council about the Fireworks Fundraiser for SummerFest on Sunday, July 24^th at 6 p.m. in downtown.  He said they will have hot dogs with pop and water, Quentin Flagg, and a couple of other entertainers.  He also said the Fire Department will be conducting a gun raffle to raise funds to replace the money they have spent to purchase some battery-operated extradition equipment.