WINONA LAKE - In an attempt to keep parking spaces open, the town council read an ordinance Tuesday to limit the parking of boats on trailers or empty boat trailers on town streets, roads and alleys to one hour for unloading and unloading boats.

Council president Jerry Clevenger said the ordinance was recommended by the plan commission and forwarded to the council for approval. The item was not on the agenda and was met with comments for and against the restriction. Tuesday was the first reading of the ordinance. Since it carries a fee of $50 for any violation, a second public reading must be scheduled.

"You're pointing at the island," said Jerry Nelson. "I understand when people bring boats to use the lake. I'm not offended if someone parks their trailer in front of my house." He asked about restrictions for other vehicles - like campers and recreational vehicles.

Councilman Rolly Ortega said other ordinances are being drafted regarding recreational vehicles.

Jack Hicks said he used to own property on the island and didn't appreciate anyone taking up three parking spaces in front of his property.

"Why not give them 72 hours?" asked Jan Nelson. "That would cover people here on the weekend."

Fire chief Roger Gelbaugh said he purchased a $50-a-year pass to use the access and piers at the fairgrounds. "People can buy a one-day pass there," he said.

The only public access to the lake is off Smith Street in Warsaw. The town is across the lake to the east.

Town marshal Malcolm Gilbert said there is a number of complaints about non-residents taking up parking spaces with their cars and boat trailers.

Anita Thomas asked about people who live four blocks away, parking their car along Canal Street and leaving it there all day as they go boating. There are rented piers in the canal.

Jan Nelson reminded the council that island residents aren't even allowed to bring their cars onto the island three days out of the year to accommodate the bike races.

"So we do give back," she said.

The Nelsons also advised the town council they would seek a vacation of a parcel east of property they own at 902 W. Canal "which extends into the middle of the canal.

"The property is less than 3,000 square feet and not buildable," Jerry Nelson said. Currently the piers set in the canal are available for rent by the town.

Nelson said he rents three pier spaces there now. He knew of no plans to expand Canal Street, would landscape the parcel and bring it back to the tax base. He said a precedent for such a vacation has already been set at the end of Esplanade Street and along the east side of Esplanade, and that he and his wife would be seeking legal counsel to conduct the vacation.

Nelson also thanked the board for the storm drain work done in front of his house on Court Circle.

"Just because I don't agree with the council on one issue (vacation of property occupied by the Lions Club building), doesn't mean I don't appreciate the things you do and the time you spend working for the town," he said.

Town coordinator Craig Allebach presented new recycling containers, which are identical to the ones used by Warsaw. They were purchased at the same place.

Allebach said residents can exchange their smaller bins for the larger ones at a cost of $5.50. If anyone wants to keep the small bins and have a large one, too, the cost is $11. The street department will deliver the containers.

The board also:

• Heard King's Highway will be closed Thursday and Friday and into next week for milling. Only local traffic will be allowed to travel the street.

Town engineer Larry Long said work would be completed Oct. 7. "The hard part is done," he said. "The sidewalks, curbs and light bases are installed."

Phend and Brown will be given a notice to proceed with work on Park Avenue next week.

• Approved an accident and sickness policy covering the town's six reserve officers. Clevenger explained it is a benefit in excess of worker's compensation and provides disability and/or death benefits if an officer is harmed in the course of duty to the town.

Costs are $100 per officer. Coverage will be provided by JMS Insurance.

Gilbert said he was surprised by the policy and thanked the council for the benefit.

• Approved the town's budgets for 2005 totaling $1,582,813.

• Heard the sewage rates for 2005 will remain the same - $34 per month.

• Heard from fire chief Roger Gelbaugh the department will mark its 90th anniversary this year with an open house in October.

One member, Bruce Howe, has been on the force for 66 years.

Winona Lake Town Council members are: Jerry Clevenger, David Delp, Rolly Ortega, John Boal and Jeff Carroll. Delp was absent. [[In-content Ad]]