Bourbon Moves Closer To Revised Junk Vehicle Ordinance

May 15, 2019 at 11:09 p.m.

By Carol Anders-

BOURBON – The Bourbon Town Council continues to move closer to adopting a junk vehicle revised ordinance.

At Tuesday’s meeting, town attorney Tony Wagner presented a revised version of an ordinance for the board’s consideration. A preliminary version of the ordinance had been passed on first reading at the April meeting.

Wagner said, “This is dramatically different from what you had. I feel comfortable with this. It is a good start.”

Wagner said the proposed ordinance would need to be published since there are costs for infractions in the document. Barring any further changes, the ordinance could be passed on second and third readings at the June council meeting.

Council members did agree unanimously with updates made to the unsafe building ordinance. It was noted that the changes to the existing ordinance were minor. Wagner said the changes would eliminate the need to have a panel at the local level and the town of Bourbon could file in either small claims court or superior court to resolve issues.

Bill Keyser, Zoning Department, had given Wagner suggestions as to procedures for handling cases. The revised ordinance will need to be published due to an infraction component of costs.

The council also entertained a presentation by Jackie Wright, Council on Aging.

Wright said, “As Bourbon has a lot to offer those of any age, Marshall County Council on Aging is a partner and hopes to continue to assist those who need supportive services and transportation.”

According to Wright, The Marshall County Council on Aging provided 26,450 trips in 2018 to 1,178 unduplicated individuals. She said that transportation specifically for Bourbon totaled 639 trips to 21 unduplicated individuals.

Wright said, “When referring to the 2030 Bourbon Comprehensive Plan, there are a few specific statistics and goals regarding seniors and transportation.”

She said 24 percent of the population is age 55 and up and that number is increasing.

She then asked the council to help provide financial support and requested $3,000 per budget year. Wright said the Council on Aging can receive up to $200,000 from an Indiana Department of Transportation grant, but must match any amount dollar per dollar.

The Bourbon Council took the request under advisement with Council President  P.J. Hanley saying he wanted to discuss the matter with the town’s clerk-treasurer.

Ward Byers, representing the Bourbon Main Street Initiative, told the council that they are ready to order a bike repair station that was made possible through a Marshall County Community Foundation Grant. The bike station will allow both local residents and visitors riding bikes through the town to have a safe place to make any needed repairs.

Byers sought the council’s permission to place the unit on town property. Council member Larry Wattenbarger clarified that the installation would not mean drilling into the concrete areas, but would be secured. Byers said it would be vandalism resistant. Wattenbarger said he wanted the town employees to pick out a location. Once the town superintendents at the meeting selected a location, the council approved the request and voted to have the rack installed at the Schwartz Livery on the southwest corner of Main and Center streets.

Byers said, “Once installed we are going to be reaching out to multiple bike shops and clubs along with social media for the awareness.”

Clerk-Treasurer Kim Berger said the installation of new carpet for the office and meeting room areas would begin on May 31. Berger said it may necessitate closing the offices for the day, but there will be a notice given prior to that date.



BOURBON – The Bourbon Town Council continues to move closer to adopting a junk vehicle revised ordinance.

At Tuesday’s meeting, town attorney Tony Wagner presented a revised version of an ordinance for the board’s consideration. A preliminary version of the ordinance had been passed on first reading at the April meeting.

Wagner said, “This is dramatically different from what you had. I feel comfortable with this. It is a good start.”

Wagner said the proposed ordinance would need to be published since there are costs for infractions in the document. Barring any further changes, the ordinance could be passed on second and third readings at the June council meeting.

Council members did agree unanimously with updates made to the unsafe building ordinance. It was noted that the changes to the existing ordinance were minor. Wagner said the changes would eliminate the need to have a panel at the local level and the town of Bourbon could file in either small claims court or superior court to resolve issues.

Bill Keyser, Zoning Department, had given Wagner suggestions as to procedures for handling cases. The revised ordinance will need to be published due to an infraction component of costs.

The council also entertained a presentation by Jackie Wright, Council on Aging.

Wright said, “As Bourbon has a lot to offer those of any age, Marshall County Council on Aging is a partner and hopes to continue to assist those who need supportive services and transportation.”

According to Wright, The Marshall County Council on Aging provided 26,450 trips in 2018 to 1,178 unduplicated individuals. She said that transportation specifically for Bourbon totaled 639 trips to 21 unduplicated individuals.

Wright said, “When referring to the 2030 Bourbon Comprehensive Plan, there are a few specific statistics and goals regarding seniors and transportation.”

She said 24 percent of the population is age 55 and up and that number is increasing.

She then asked the council to help provide financial support and requested $3,000 per budget year. Wright said the Council on Aging can receive up to $200,000 from an Indiana Department of Transportation grant, but must match any amount dollar per dollar.

The Bourbon Council took the request under advisement with Council President  P.J. Hanley saying he wanted to discuss the matter with the town’s clerk-treasurer.

Ward Byers, representing the Bourbon Main Street Initiative, told the council that they are ready to order a bike repair station that was made possible through a Marshall County Community Foundation Grant. The bike station will allow both local residents and visitors riding bikes through the town to have a safe place to make any needed repairs.

Byers sought the council’s permission to place the unit on town property. Council member Larry Wattenbarger clarified that the installation would not mean drilling into the concrete areas, but would be secured. Byers said it would be vandalism resistant. Wattenbarger said he wanted the town employees to pick out a location. Once the town superintendents at the meeting selected a location, the council approved the request and voted to have the rack installed at the Schwartz Livery on the southwest corner of Main and Center streets.

Byers said, “Once installed we are going to be reaching out to multiple bike shops and clubs along with social media for the awareness.”

Clerk-Treasurer Kim Berger said the installation of new carpet for the office and meeting room areas would begin on May 31. Berger said it may necessitate closing the offices for the day, but there will be a notice given prior to that date.



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