Etna Green Moves Forward on Annexation
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Daniel [email protected]
The land is south of CR 300N in Kosciusko County. The land also extends into Marshall County and is on 14B Road there. It’s located near a gravel pit just south of Etna Green.
Town councilman Jim Robbins said the town and two property owners worked on an annexation as recently as 2007.
Robbins took issue with the town having to pay attorney fees to go through the annexation process.
Council members Keith Claassen and Andy Cook said that looking at it long term, annexing those properties, and if they are developed, will benefit the town with more taxes.
“I feel in the long run, it will save people money,” said Cook.
After some discussion, the town council approved moving along in the annexation process.
The town council also approved the purchase of a sprinkler system for the football field at Heritage Park.
The cost of the system is $2,700 and is eight years old.
The Marshall County Junior Football League plays there. They are in the last year of a five-year contract with the town.
The council discussed extending the contract for another five years.
Approval also was granted for $2,600 to be used in fixing a roof at the town’s building at the park. The shop has had leaking and houses a backhoe and tools.
Town attorney Jay Rigdon had several items to bring before the town council.
The council approved a modification to the town’s ordinance on fees for hooking up to sewer lines.
Rigdon also gave the council an anti-nepotism ordinance, which it passed.
The ordinance was drawn up by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns. The state mandated all cities and towns adopt such an ordinance.
An ordinance was adopted concerning unsafe buildings. This is in response to the state’s unsafe building laws.
Rigdon informed the council that they would need to appoint a building inspector and building commissioner. Neither one can be a town council member.
The inspector would look over the property, then a hearing could be set up where the commissioner would ultimately make a ruling.
If the homeowner disputed the decision, it would then go to court.
Letters will be sent to two properties on North Walnut Street for violating town ordinances.
Robbins asked if it is legal to post signs on utility poles. He noted a utility pole in town had a “Buy Gold” sign on it for some time.
Rigdon said that state law prohibits posting of signs on utility poles.
The council moved its July meeting to July 17 at 7 p.m. due to scheduling conflicts.
Follow staff writer Daniel Riordan on Twitter at @TUNews_Riordan
He can be reached at 574-267-3111, Ext. 246.[[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
The land is south of CR 300N in Kosciusko County. The land also extends into Marshall County and is on 14B Road there. It’s located near a gravel pit just south of Etna Green.
Town councilman Jim Robbins said the town and two property owners worked on an annexation as recently as 2007.
Robbins took issue with the town having to pay attorney fees to go through the annexation process.
Council members Keith Claassen and Andy Cook said that looking at it long term, annexing those properties, and if they are developed, will benefit the town with more taxes.
“I feel in the long run, it will save people money,” said Cook.
After some discussion, the town council approved moving along in the annexation process.
The town council also approved the purchase of a sprinkler system for the football field at Heritage Park.
The cost of the system is $2,700 and is eight years old.
The Marshall County Junior Football League plays there. They are in the last year of a five-year contract with the town.
The council discussed extending the contract for another five years.
Approval also was granted for $2,600 to be used in fixing a roof at the town’s building at the park. The shop has had leaking and houses a backhoe and tools.
Town attorney Jay Rigdon had several items to bring before the town council.
The council approved a modification to the town’s ordinance on fees for hooking up to sewer lines.
Rigdon also gave the council an anti-nepotism ordinance, which it passed.
The ordinance was drawn up by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns. The state mandated all cities and towns adopt such an ordinance.
An ordinance was adopted concerning unsafe buildings. This is in response to the state’s unsafe building laws.
Rigdon informed the council that they would need to appoint a building inspector and building commissioner. Neither one can be a town council member.
The inspector would look over the property, then a hearing could be set up where the commissioner would ultimately make a ruling.
If the homeowner disputed the decision, it would then go to court.
Letters will be sent to two properties on North Walnut Street for violating town ordinances.
Robbins asked if it is legal to post signs on utility poles. He noted a utility pole in town had a “Buy Gold” sign on it for some time.
Rigdon said that state law prohibits posting of signs on utility poles.
The council moved its July meeting to July 17 at 7 p.m. due to scheduling conflicts.
Follow staff writer Daniel Riordan on Twitter at @TUNews_Riordan
He can be reached at 574-267-3111, Ext. 246.[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092