Winona Amends Deer Hunt Ordinance
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
WINONA LAKE - Deer hunters now will be allowed to hunt in town limits in tree stands in Winona Lake.
The Winona Town Council approved an amendment Tuesday to an ordinance the council passed in October 2005 stating a limitation on bows, arrows and slingshots in the town.
The council voted in support of amending the ordinance to allow hunters to hunt from a tree stand with a minimum height of 12 feet according to state guidelines for deer season. The hunt must be permitted by the landowner and the hunter is not allowed to discharge a bow and arrow from the ground.
The ordinance previously stated it was unlawful to discharge or cause to be propelled any arrow or other missile from a bow or slingshot, except at a practice target designed so as to prevent the ricochet or exit through such target of any such arrow or other missile.
Michael Taylor, an Autumn Hills resident, attended the council's Nov. 28 meeting and shared his concern with the ordinance and said he is a hunter and requested an amendment to the ordinance allowing bow and arrow hunting within the town limits.
The ordinance also includes a prohibition of firearms in the town including any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or firearm. The provisions do not apply to any police officer while in the discharge of their police duties.
Taylor attended Tuesday's meeting and thanked the council for amending the ordinance.
"I think amending the ordinance to allow deer hunters to hunt in the town with tree stands is a step in the right direction and is a good compromise," Taylor said.
Also during the meeting, Town Council President Rolly Ortega read a letter announcing Winona Lake Fire Chief Roger Gelbaugh's resignation effective Dec. 31. The fire department recommended Assistant Fire Chief Mitch Titus to replace Gelbaugh. The council will vote on the recommendation at its Dec. 27 meeting.
The council also:
• Approved a health savings account for 2007 for town employees that will save the town money in premiums.
• Approved a not-to-exceed $3,500 payment to LaPorte Construction for cement work improvements to St. Andrews Road South.
• Approved overtime pay for four police department employees for $15,744.05 to cover payment for time worked the first part of the year when there was a transition with a retirement and hiring of a new police chief.
• Approved Neal Butler to serve as Winona Lake Park Board president. Tim Minear, current park board president, is resigning at the end of the year. The appointment is made by the Warsaw School Board and the town council has sent a letter to the school board recommending the appointment.
Ortega informed the council Winona Lake Town Hall will be closed Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1-2. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Choir will perform Sunday at 2 p.m. at Rodeheaver Auditorium.
The town council will meet again Dec. 27 at 7 a.m. at the Winona Lake town hall. [[In-content Ad]]
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WINONA LAKE - Deer hunters now will be allowed to hunt in town limits in tree stands in Winona Lake.
The Winona Town Council approved an amendment Tuesday to an ordinance the council passed in October 2005 stating a limitation on bows, arrows and slingshots in the town.
The council voted in support of amending the ordinance to allow hunters to hunt from a tree stand with a minimum height of 12 feet according to state guidelines for deer season. The hunt must be permitted by the landowner and the hunter is not allowed to discharge a bow and arrow from the ground.
The ordinance previously stated it was unlawful to discharge or cause to be propelled any arrow or other missile from a bow or slingshot, except at a practice target designed so as to prevent the ricochet or exit through such target of any such arrow or other missile.
Michael Taylor, an Autumn Hills resident, attended the council's Nov. 28 meeting and shared his concern with the ordinance and said he is a hunter and requested an amendment to the ordinance allowing bow and arrow hunting within the town limits.
The ordinance also includes a prohibition of firearms in the town including any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or firearm. The provisions do not apply to any police officer while in the discharge of their police duties.
Taylor attended Tuesday's meeting and thanked the council for amending the ordinance.
"I think amending the ordinance to allow deer hunters to hunt in the town with tree stands is a step in the right direction and is a good compromise," Taylor said.
Also during the meeting, Town Council President Rolly Ortega read a letter announcing Winona Lake Fire Chief Roger Gelbaugh's resignation effective Dec. 31. The fire department recommended Assistant Fire Chief Mitch Titus to replace Gelbaugh. The council will vote on the recommendation at its Dec. 27 meeting.
The council also:
• Approved a health savings account for 2007 for town employees that will save the town money in premiums.
• Approved a not-to-exceed $3,500 payment to LaPorte Construction for cement work improvements to St. Andrews Road South.
• Approved overtime pay for four police department employees for $15,744.05 to cover payment for time worked the first part of the year when there was a transition with a retirement and hiring of a new police chief.
• Approved Neal Butler to serve as Winona Lake Park Board president. Tim Minear, current park board president, is resigning at the end of the year. The appointment is made by the Warsaw School Board and the town council has sent a letter to the school board recommending the appointment.
Ortega informed the council Winona Lake Town Hall will be closed Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1-2. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Choir will perform Sunday at 2 p.m. at Rodeheaver Auditorium.
The town council will meet again Dec. 27 at 7 a.m. at the Winona Lake town hall. [[In-content Ad]]