Lee Ann Wassmer takes children’s’ safety very seriously. Her children are among those who must cross a busy Fletchall Street every day to go to and from North Elementary School. With her hair salon business on the corner of Fletchall and Locust Streets, she can see the children leaving the school grounds at the end of the day. She voiced her concerns for their safety while crossing the streets during the Poseyville Town Council meeting on Wednesday, August 13.

She stated that she has watched the children cross the street at an angle, in the middle of the street or "just everywhere" due to the fact there are no painted areas to designate where children should cross. She also expressed concern about children crossing Main Street where it is difficult to see oncoming traffic when cars are parked alongside Main Street businesses.

Wassmer asked town council members what it would take in order to paint a cross walk on the street and get flashing lights. Town Board President Bruce Baker stated the town has felt the same concerns and has applied for a fully funded grant called, "The Safe Route to School." The grant will pay for the installation of sidewalks, crosswalks and flashing lights. The board hopes to hear soon if they will be awarded the grant or not.

Wassmer pressed town council members for action to be taken now rather than waiting for a possible grant or a tragic accident to happen. Baker stated he would like to work with the schools and thinks it is important for them to re-institute a crossing guard program. Baker, as well as council member, Ron Fallowfield, stated a crossing guard program used to be in existence at the elementary school. "They could use adult volunteers or train students with adult supervision to be crossing guards," Baker said.

He added that participation in the crossing guard program used to be a source of pride among students. Baker felt it was important for the town and the school district to work together to form a plan.

In other business, the town approved an amendment for tap-in fees to its water rate ordinance. Tap-in fees for a six-inch pipe will be assessed a one time fee of $3,600 and $4,800 for an eight-inch pipe.

Attorney Bill Bender informed council members that the date for mediation on the Crowe property has been set for Wednesday, August 20. The council has been working toward a court-ordered clean-up of the property, located at 20 S. Sharp Street for several months.