SIDNEY — Sidney Town Council passed a motion Tuesday to join Kosciusko County Area Plan in the new year.
After a discussion on ordinance violations regarding a balcony overhang, the council decided they needed a more solid foundation as a base moving forward, which led them to bring up joining Kosciusko County Area Plan. The only hindrance previously was due to them not having certain base ordinances in place; however, that has since been resolved.
Another item of business approved was to renew the maintenance contract for 2024. The council voted to make a minor change to the wording of the contract to clarify current and future intentions stating the pay will not exceed $5,000 for the year due to the current insurance policy in place.
Board member Brandon Allen spoke of the necessity for some kind of city property identifiers for both residents and maintenance reasons. Allen suggested possibly bringing the maintenance men around with them on their ordinance checks to help clear up any confusion. Both the board and town Clerk-Treasurer Lisa Parrett agreed this could be a helpful solution.
The board also discussed police coverage for 2024 and the different avenues they could pursue such as reaching out to Pierceton, Claypool and Silver Lake to see if they could help.
Other business approved:
• A snow plowing contract was approved by the board.
• An insurance renewal for 2024 was approved.
• At the advice of town attorney Rick Helm, in accordance with Indiana code, they are allowed to give away the John Deere tractor to someone who wants it since it is considered "worthless" in the eyes of the state.
• As required by law, the town of Sidney has now joined "Indiana 811," which requires utility crews to ensure all sewer lines and pipes are located before they dig. This comes at the expense of the town of $0.95 per location needed.
The next town council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8.