Water Well Law Changes On Tap
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
County commissioners heard from health department administrator Bob Weaver Tuesday regarding changes to the water well ordinance.
Weaver said water wells are being installed where they should not be and he wants to ensure that the health department approves locations.
"Sometimes a well can go anywhere in the back yard," he said. "Other times it needs to go in a specific place."
Changes to the County Private Water Well Ordinance No. 88-12 would be amended to have well drillers receive approval from the health department before constructing a private well and places a fee of not more than $250 for the first violation and not more than $500 for the second violation.
Weaver said the health department is encountering problems with some well drillers constructing wells regardless of whether or not a permit has been issued to the homeowner.
"Since water wells can have a useful life of many decades, we feel it is imperative to choose a proper and best location for these wells," Weaver said.
The commissioners agreed to the ordinance changes.
Jane Greene of the Cardinal Center received permission to submit a planning grant to the Indiana Office of Rural Affairs. The center's 40-year-old heating and air conditioning system needs an upgrade. The planning grant, with up to $50,000 available, would pay for designs and blueprints.
The board heard from auditor Sue Anne Mitchell that the county hasn't correctly submitted tax records since 2002.
She said the Department of Local Government Finance found all 92 counties out of compliance.
"None of us really know exactly what the problem is," she said, speaking of other county auditors.
Attorney Mike Miner advised the board bike paths may be considered transportation lanes and that utility compnaies may be responsible for moving poles from bike paths.
"The utilities don't want to pay for moving poles," Miner said, "but I think its a pushable issue."
The board also:
• Heard from Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins regarding the appointment of Avis Gunter as the commisisoner's representative to a reorganized workforce development committee, which was approved.
• Heard from county highway superintendent Dennis Pletcher that bridge 250, on North Webster's South Steet is scheduled for replacement.
The commissioners asked Pletcher to discuss semi tractor-trailer traffic with the Wausau Homes manager. The facility is near Etna Green and residents have been complaining about the delivery trucks on county roads when the facility can be accessed off Ind. 19.
• Approved a mileage rate of 40-cents per mile for county employes, up from 34-cents, as recommended by Ron Robinson.
• Heard the county is working on an agreement with the city or purchase gas from the city's tanks at the police department.
County commissioners are Avis Gunter, Brad Jackson and Ron Truex. [[In-content Ad]]
County commissioners heard from health department administrator Bob Weaver Tuesday regarding changes to the water well ordinance.
Weaver said water wells are being installed where they should not be and he wants to ensure that the health department approves locations.
"Sometimes a well can go anywhere in the back yard," he said. "Other times it needs to go in a specific place."
Changes to the County Private Water Well Ordinance No. 88-12 would be amended to have well drillers receive approval from the health department before constructing a private well and places a fee of not more than $250 for the first violation and not more than $500 for the second violation.
Weaver said the health department is encountering problems with some well drillers constructing wells regardless of whether or not a permit has been issued to the homeowner.
"Since water wells can have a useful life of many decades, we feel it is imperative to choose a proper and best location for these wells," Weaver said.
The commissioners agreed to the ordinance changes.
Jane Greene of the Cardinal Center received permission to submit a planning grant to the Indiana Office of Rural Affairs. The center's 40-year-old heating and air conditioning system needs an upgrade. The planning grant, with up to $50,000 available, would pay for designs and blueprints.
The board heard from auditor Sue Anne Mitchell that the county hasn't correctly submitted tax records since 2002.
She said the Department of Local Government Finance found all 92 counties out of compliance.
"None of us really know exactly what the problem is," she said, speaking of other county auditors.
Attorney Mike Miner advised the board bike paths may be considered transportation lanes and that utility compnaies may be responsible for moving poles from bike paths.
"The utilities don't want to pay for moving poles," Miner said, "but I think its a pushable issue."
The board also:
• Heard from Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins regarding the appointment of Avis Gunter as the commisisoner's representative to a reorganized workforce development committee, which was approved.
• Heard from county highway superintendent Dennis Pletcher that bridge 250, on North Webster's South Steet is scheduled for replacement.
The commissioners asked Pletcher to discuss semi tractor-trailer traffic with the Wausau Homes manager. The facility is near Etna Green and residents have been complaining about the delivery trucks on county roads when the facility can be accessed off Ind. 19.
• Approved a mileage rate of 40-cents per mile for county employes, up from 34-cents, as recommended by Ron Robinson.
• Heard the county is working on an agreement with the city or purchase gas from the city's tanks at the police department.
County commissioners are Avis Gunter, Brad Jackson and Ron Truex. [[In-content Ad]]