Town of Medora: Medora board approves park lighting upgrade and taser-battery purchase

Town of Medora: The Medora Town Council approved several operational expenditures and personnel actions during its June 8 meeting. The board approved a new park-lighting proposal that would replace or add LED lights around the playground, ballfield and basketball court; the projected monthly utility charge is $58.18, compared with the current $19.76, an increase of $38.42 per month. Officials said they hoped to complete the work before the Freedom Festival, though the contract term still needed clarification. The council also approved the purchase of six taser-battery packages for about $513, after learning none of the department’s existing taser batteries was operational. The police department reported 15 traffic stops, 14 service calls and four charges in May. Other actions included accepting Arnold Jackson Jr.’s resignation, hiring Dennis Smith for up to 49 hours per week, and continuing the town’s accident-and-sickness insurance agreement. A proposed 2027 road-replacement project remains in the planning stage, with officials still researching responsibility for relocating a water line. Flooding and drainage concerns, mosquito control and property-nuisance enforcement were discussed, but no final action on those issues was recorded.
• Town of Medora approved a park lighting upgrade using new LED fixtures for the playground, ballfield and basketball court. Officials said the work could be completed before the Freedom Festival, but the contract length was not yet clear.
• Town of Medora: The park’s projected total monthly lighting charge is $58.18, up from $19.76, for an increase of $38.42 per month. Donations and a prior church contribution were expected to cover the first year, with future fundraisers discussed.
• Town of Medora approved buying six replacement taser-battery packages for approximately $513. The police chief said the department’s existing batteries were not operational and that officers are required to carry a less-lethal option.
• Town of Medora: The police department reported 15 traffic stops, 14 calls for service and four charges in May, along with one accident-related case.
• Town of Medora accepted Arnold Jackson Jr.’s resignation, with the discussion identifying May 29 as the effective date, although the transcript contains conflicting year references.
• Town of Medora approved hiring Dennis Smith for up to 49 hours per week, not exceeding that limit.
• Town of Medora: A proposed 2027 road-replacement project involving a road near the school remains under development. Officials still need to determine whether a water line in the state right of way must be relocated and who would pay.
• Town of Medora: Residents raised serious drainage and flooding concerns near an old bridge foundation, including water entering a home. Town officials agreed to seek information from the DNR and potentially the Army Corps of Engineers; no repair was approved during the meeting.
• Town of Medora: Mosquito spraying was discussed after residents reported severe mosquito problems. The county reportedly had not yet provided a schedule but was expected to develop one; the town did not announce its own spraying program.
• Town of Medora: The town continued its accident-and-sickness insurance agreement with ASI while the program is reevaluated.
• Town of Medora: A proposed RC-car track and related events on town property were discussed but not approved. Officials said they still needed a site plan, lease terms, event rules, parking and police coverage, noise limits and insurance details.