CLAYPOOL – Solutions for mowing violations within Claypool's town limits are being looked into.
During a Claypool Town Council meeting Tuesday, Town Marshal Trevor Long asked if a final decision was made on how to proceed with the maintenance of residential yards if notices and fines do not work for enforcement.
"I think what we ran into was figuring out getting a contractor to take care of those things," said Long. "And we never really made a decision on that, so it's something to think about moving forward."
Long and Council President Benny Stage Jr. said the town would have to look at estimates for a contractor mowing properties that are in violation. Stage said he would contact Lucas Conley with LC Lawn Services LLC for estimates, as Conley helps the town with part-time mowing work.
Long told town attorney Rama Sobhani the town is looking at implementing liens for properties that are not being mowed.
Sobhani recommended the council inform the community of the intention to levy liens through a public notice. These liens would also pertain to property clean-ups and board-ups for vacant properties.
"We do have one property that we need to get on about that, because they don't have any front doors," said Long.
Council will further discuss the issue at their May meeting.
Contract with
Baker Tilly
Tyler Coffel, a manager with Baker Tilly, presented a contract to the council for work the firm is close to completing. As part of the State Revolving Fund program for the sewer utility work, Coffel said there was some bank reconciliation work that needed completed. He estimated the cost would be close to $12,000 once Baker Tilly completes the work.
"Essentially, they needed us to prove the ending cash within the fund balances so that SRF could be confident in how much cash the utility has when it closes in July," said Coffel.
The council also briefly discussed live streaming of town meetings. A state law will go into effect July 1, requiring all governmental bodies to livestream their meetings and make them accessible to the public. Meetings can be recorded and made available for 90 days if the entity does not have internet capability.
Long recommended the town look into a laptop and webcam for recording the meetings.
Council also:
• Recognized Town Superintendent Danny Warner for his 30th year of service to the town.
• Reminded residents that spring cleanup day is Saturday.
• Approved sending a letter of approval for Jerry Creekmore with Creekmore LLC to hook up to the town's sewer system. Creekmore is planning to build and then sell a home at 207 S. Clay St.
The council's next regular meeting is at 7 p.m. May 20 at the Claypool Lions Club building. Council will also have a special meeting at 5 p.m. April 24, to handle appropriation matters.