Pierceton Approves 2 Alley Vacations

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor-

PIERCETON - Two alley vacations were approved and a third request tabled during Monday's Pierceton Town Council meeting.

A request from Dana and Kathy Cone was approved for final passage on first presentation for an alley south of Church Street and east of Ind. 13 on an undeveloped tract of land. The unimproved alley is on property the Cones plan to develop.

Ron Hall's request for an alley vacation on property north of Church Street and east of Ind. 13 was also approved. Hall, a member of the council, excused himself from discussion and voting on the matter.

Another request, for two alleys south of Church Street and east of Ind. 13, was tabled to give a property owner who has concerns about the vacation a chance to offer input at the January meeting.

The unimproved alleys are adjoined by properties owned by Tony Huff, Robert Hines and Mrs. Ray Archer. The petition was presented by attorney Vern Landis on behalf of Huff and Hines. Archer reportedly didn't want to be part of the petition and couldn't be at Monday's meeting to voice her opinion. The council approved introduction of the ordinance for vacation and will pass it in January if Archer either doesn't show up for the meeting or can't offer a valid reason why the vacation shouldn't take place.

In other business, the council approved an ordinance to increase water utility fees. The matter has been discussed for several months and the ordinance was presented at the November meeting.

One resident questioned the need for the increase, but no remonstrance was heard. The increase will reflect less than $2 more per month for the average water customer.

A decision on whether to renew the current trash contract was tabled until questions can be answered regarding some wording and the fact that at least one council member feels there are some problems with pickup that need to be addressed.

The present contract, with Sweetheimer Trash Removal, expires Dec. 31. The matter will be attended to during the end-of-year meeting later this month.

In other matters, the council:

• Voted to back the Kosciusko County Plan Commission's restrictions regarding sexually oriented businesses.

• Announced that the grant for soil testing at the site where an old gas station used to be and the building is falling down was received Monday. Testing should be under way soon and the town will then decide whether it can afford the cost of cleanup. The abandoned property has been cause for complaint from several residents, but the potential liability is being considered before the town takes over the property.

The next regular meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 in the community building. [[In-content Ad]]

PIERCETON - Two alley vacations were approved and a third request tabled during Monday's Pierceton Town Council meeting.

A request from Dana and Kathy Cone was approved for final passage on first presentation for an alley south of Church Street and east of Ind. 13 on an undeveloped tract of land. The unimproved alley is on property the Cones plan to develop.

Ron Hall's request for an alley vacation on property north of Church Street and east of Ind. 13 was also approved. Hall, a member of the council, excused himself from discussion and voting on the matter.

Another request, for two alleys south of Church Street and east of Ind. 13, was tabled to give a property owner who has concerns about the vacation a chance to offer input at the January meeting.

The unimproved alleys are adjoined by properties owned by Tony Huff, Robert Hines and Mrs. Ray Archer. The petition was presented by attorney Vern Landis on behalf of Huff and Hines. Archer reportedly didn't want to be part of the petition and couldn't be at Monday's meeting to voice her opinion. The council approved introduction of the ordinance for vacation and will pass it in January if Archer either doesn't show up for the meeting or can't offer a valid reason why the vacation shouldn't take place.

In other business, the council approved an ordinance to increase water utility fees. The matter has been discussed for several months and the ordinance was presented at the November meeting.

One resident questioned the need for the increase, but no remonstrance was heard. The increase will reflect less than $2 more per month for the average water customer.

A decision on whether to renew the current trash contract was tabled until questions can be answered regarding some wording and the fact that at least one council member feels there are some problems with pickup that need to be addressed.

The present contract, with Sweetheimer Trash Removal, expires Dec. 31. The matter will be attended to during the end-of-year meeting later this month.

In other matters, the council:

• Voted to back the Kosciusko County Plan Commission's restrictions regarding sexually oriented businesses.

• Announced that the grant for soil testing at the site where an old gas station used to be and the building is falling down was received Monday. Testing should be under way soon and the town will then decide whether it can afford the cost of cleanup. The abandoned property has been cause for complaint from several residents, but the potential liability is being considered before the town takes over the property.

The next regular meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 in the community building. [[In-content Ad]]

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