Should a bike trail be built connecting Oldenburg and Batesville? That’s what Batesville Mayor Rick Fledderman suggested at the April 6 Oldenburg Town Council meeting.

“We're neighboring communities within the same school system. It's only natural that we work together,” he pointed out.

On March 18 the Batesville Parks and Recrea-tion Board signed an agreement with Hannum, Wagle & Cline Engineering, Indianapolis, to prepare specific route maps for a citywide trail system. He read there is potential federal stimulus money for trails.

“We need your input,” Fledderman said.

OTC member Dennis Moeller, who lives on State Road 229 just south of Oldenburg, said, “The need for a bike trail is there right now. In the summer a lot of bikes go past. They are pretty much a hazard on 229.” He noted with many homes near the highway, a trail “would be in their front yards.”

The mayor predicted the biggest challenge of constructing a trail would be getting it across I-74.

“It's a neat idea,” said member Greg Struewing. He asked what kind of a surface the trail would have. “Most of the ones I see are asphalt,” Fledderman answered.

Moeller said he heard in the future the Indiana Department of Transportation might widen S.R. 229 between Batesville and Oldenburg. “Maybe ... (the trail) is something they could hook onto their project.”

Members agreed a trail should be considered. Attorney Tom O’Connor recommended OTC and Batesville enter into an interlocal agreement to study and perhaps implement a trail.

Fledderman said, “I don't mind exploring some options.” He will keep the council apprised.

Karen Enneking requested the council erect no parking signs on the grass at Gilbert Munchel Memorial Park. Volunteers “have spent a lot of work there filling in ruts that were made in the perimeter and they're back again. As many as six cars parked either along the edge of the alleyway or along the other end by Wagner's tavern.” If signs don’t keep vehicles off the ground, “we may have to go to fencing,” less preferred because of upkeep and cost.

Council President David Wahman asked, “Can we enforce” no parking? Deputy Eric Moenter replied, “I don't see why not.”

Clerk-treasurer Cindy Laker asked if vehicles would be allowed to park there during Freudenfest. “I don't think there should be parking there any time,” said Enneking and Struewing agreed.

Members passed a resolution stating parking is prohibited in the park on St. Joseph Alley. A violator will first receive a warning, then a ticket with a fine involved. The third time a vehicle is found on the grass, it will be towed, council members decided. Struewing planned to post the signs this weekend.

He proposed sweeping Oldenburg streets. “I still think the town looked awesome after it was done” last May. He was worried about Oldenburg’s liability if someone slipped on trash, or sand spread during icy and snowy weather. Struewing reported Linkel Co. would do the job for $1,200, the same price as 2008.

According to Enneking, “It's very much needed on Vine Street up by the academy. They dropped an exceptional amount of sand on it this year” and elderly residents there are not able to clean the street.

OTC voted to have Linkel Co. sweep the streets this year and to investigate other options in 2010. Residents will be notified soon about the date.

Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.