Orleans Town Council votes to advertise commercial space available downtown and upgrade downtown lighting

ORLEANS – The Orleans Town Council met for its regular monthly work/study session on Wednesday morning at town hall.

Council agreed to advertise for proposals to lease the small commercial space available downtown in the former Boyer Building.  The space recently housed a small retail shop and before that an office. Proposals will be accepted at the Orleans Town offices through October 4th.  

After reviewing the submitted proposal from Duke Energy, Council agreed to sign off on the agreement to upgrade the town’s 200 street lights and participate in the company’s rebate savings program.

Kelly Gardner of Alliance of Indiana Rural Water was present to share details on their Water / Wastewater Systems Operations Specialist Apprentice program.  Apprenticeship programs such as the one provided by the Alliance of Indiana work directly with utilities to develop highly-skilled employees. The program also reduces turnover rates, increases productivity, and lowers the cost of recruitment.   Council agreed to take the proposal under advisement and to consider the town’s possible participation.

Town-Wide Fall Clean Up was set for October 3-8.  Residents and businesses alike are being encouraged to pitch in and help clean things up for the fall and winter months ahead. A large dumpster will be set up at the town garage that week for residents’ use and the town crew will also be picking up items to discard.

Council also reviewed the town’s current guidelines for street closures and overall general safety policy in regard to town streets.

Town Clerk Robert Henderson updated Council on the 2023 Budget process to date and distributed copies of the final budget estimates.   A public hearing on the proposed $2,737,694 budget is set for September 15th at 6 p.m. with formal adoption expected at the regular October meeting.