Claypool Updating Animal, Property Ordinances

May 22, 2024 at 9:41 p.m.

By MADDIE JO SHULTZ

CLAYPOOL – At Tuesday night's meeting the Claypool Town Council approved amendments to town ordinances on animals within town limits and properties in need of mowing and trimming.
Council President Benny Stage asked that the animal ordinance be amended to clarify animals should be leashed when taken outside of an owner's property. The current ordinance specifies a $25 fine for violation. Council is adding a $50 fine for a second violation.
Stage said there are several properties in need of mowing and trimming and asked that the current ordinance be amended to allow the town to be reimbursed for hiredout mowing and trimming services for the properties in violation.
The town can currently fine owners for not keeping up with mowing and trimming but cannot submit a small claim for the cost of mowing when a town employee completes the work, because they are already paid.
Council agreed to notify owners of a violation and give them five days to mow and trim the property. If the property is not mowed or trimmed in five days, the town will pay LC Lawn Services, LLC at a rate of $26 per 1,000 square feet to mow and trim and then bill the property owner.
In other business, the council also:
• Heard from Chris Harrison of Commonwealth Engineers regarding an Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) grant and the process of hiring a consulting group to write the application. Harrison recommended Kleinpeter Consulting Group, LLC who is not paid until grant funds are awarded.
• Approved a contract not to exceed $6,000 with Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe and Hoosier Nonprofit Consultants to develop a 5year strategic plan for Claypool.
• Heard from town residents: one who requires town approval to tear down a home but not a shed at 207 S. Clay St. and build a 40by60foot garage; another who is unhappy with drivers speeding on Clay Street.
• Reminded the public of oddsize trash pickup on June 22. Accepted items include: barrels, bathtubs, bicycles, carpet, countertops under 4 feet wide, dishwashers, doors, furniture under 4 feet wide/high, grills, lawnmowers, mattresses (twin/full only), toilets, washers/dryers and windows under 3by3 feet. For a full list of larger items available for pickup for an extra fee, residents should call Borden Operations.
• Approved a moment of silence before the Pledge of Allegiance at future meetings.
Council will next meet at 7 p.m. June 18.

CLAYPOOL – At Tuesday night's meeting the Claypool Town Council approved amendments to town ordinances on animals within town limits and properties in need of mowing and trimming.
Council President Benny Stage asked that the animal ordinance be amended to clarify animals should be leashed when taken outside of an owner's property. The current ordinance specifies a $25 fine for violation. Council is adding a $50 fine for a second violation.
Stage said there are several properties in need of mowing and trimming and asked that the current ordinance be amended to allow the town to be reimbursed for hiredout mowing and trimming services for the properties in violation.
The town can currently fine owners for not keeping up with mowing and trimming but cannot submit a small claim for the cost of mowing when a town employee completes the work, because they are already paid.
Council agreed to notify owners of a violation and give them five days to mow and trim the property. If the property is not mowed or trimmed in five days, the town will pay LC Lawn Services, LLC at a rate of $26 per 1,000 square feet to mow and trim and then bill the property owner.
In other business, the council also:
• Heard from Chris Harrison of Commonwealth Engineers regarding an Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) grant and the process of hiring a consulting group to write the application. Harrison recommended Kleinpeter Consulting Group, LLC who is not paid until grant funds are awarded.
• Approved a contract not to exceed $6,000 with Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe and Hoosier Nonprofit Consultants to develop a 5year strategic plan for Claypool.
• Heard from town residents: one who requires town approval to tear down a home but not a shed at 207 S. Clay St. and build a 40by60foot garage; another who is unhappy with drivers speeding on Clay Street.
• Reminded the public of oddsize trash pickup on June 22. Accepted items include: barrels, bathtubs, bicycles, carpet, countertops under 4 feet wide, dishwashers, doors, furniture under 4 feet wide/high, grills, lawnmowers, mattresses (twin/full only), toilets, washers/dryers and windows under 3by3 feet. For a full list of larger items available for pickup for an extra fee, residents should call Borden Operations.
• Approved a moment of silence before the Pledge of Allegiance at future meetings.
Council will next meet at 7 p.m. June 18.

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