(ANGOLA) - The Angola Common Council reviewed tax abatement compliance for three major employers Monday night, approved several city funding items and heard an update on plans for a downtown outdoor refreshment area.
Steuben County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Isaac Lee recommended continuing abatements for Univertical, Angola Wire Products and RR Donnelley. Council members voted to find all three companies in compliance.
Univertical officials said hiring remains a challenge, but the company has grown from about 90 employees to around 110 and hopes to add about 20 more. Angola Wire Products reported meeting payroll goals tied to its abatement commitments, while RR Donnelley was praised for adapting to market changes and investing in automation.
Council also approved a cash transfer for the city's local road and bridge matching grant fund and signed off on a change order for Division 3 of the Pokagon Utility Project tied to federally required wage adjustments.
Members approved the first reading of an amendment to the city employee handbook dealing with paid time off for workers who leave before completing one year of service. The discussion included debate over whether the language was too punitive, but council members ultimately voted in favor of the change.
Economic Development and Planning Director Ritha Hicks said the city is again moving forward with plans for a downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA. Hicks said Angola is working through signage, sanitation and mapping requirements and hopes to have the district ready by June or July.
City officials also reported progress on emergency sewer work on West Stocker Street after crews encountered a large buried concrete obstruction. Police Chief Joe Whitmire thanked council for approving new furniture for the department.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 6.