During a regularly scheduled meeting of the Medora Town Council Monday evening, council members largely discussed issues relating to the town’s public water utility.

In regard to water reconnection fees, the council resolved to not allow a resident’s water to be turned back on until they pay their bill and a $50 late fee. Town Attorney Matt Lorenzo said a motion to approve this was not necessary as stipulations for water reconnection are already part of a town ordinance.

Todd Lepage, who manages the town’s water/sewer utilities, notified the council the Environmental Protection Agency is requiring all public water systems to have a lead and copper survey completed for residential service lines.

He also spoke on his search for a new company to provide water meters for the town as Sensus — which the town previously used — was sold to another company. Lapage said he has conversed with a few companies about replacing Sensus’ services but he has yet to narrow down the town’s best option.

The timing is right for Medora to have new water meters installed, as Lepage said, “there’s probably no more than 10 municipalities in the state of Indiana that still read meters the way we do it — technology is just booming right now.”

In a separate matter unrelated to the water utility, Town Marshal Josh Lepage requested council approval to proceed with receiving a quote for an evidence locker that will primarily serve as a gun safe. He also requested a toolbox and a small chainsaw for his truck to help clear storm debris.

“We had some calls the other night that I was on trees that I could’ve cut up and got going within 10 to 15 minutes, but I was sitting there for an hour — sometimes you’re on it for two hours waiting for someone to show up so you can go to the next call and help someone, so I just think it would benefit the community to have a tool box and chainsaw,” Lepage said.

Lepage said he would also like to begin a reserve position candidate’s ride-along process.

“He hasn’t come in to fill out an application yet, but once we get him in and do a background check and start a ride-along process, we can make sure it’s what he wants to do,” Lepage said.

The Medora Town Council meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Medora Town Hall, 27 N. Perry St., Medora. Meetings are open to the public and press.