Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN - An East High Street resident came before the Etna Green Town Council Tuesday to respond to complaints from townspeople regarding the condition of her property.
Mary McConnell told councilmen Andy Cook, Keith Robbins and Russell "Pete" Miller that she realizes her property looks bad, but is trying to clean it up. Appliances visible from the street are heavy and difficult to move, McConnell said, but an attempt is being made to sell them so they can be removed from the property.
A certified letter gave the McConnells 10 days to bring the property into compliance with the town's junk/property ordinance. However, given the fact that some cleanup has taken place, an extension was given until Monday for removal of the appliances. On Monday, if the appliances are still visible from a public roadway, the town will contract to have the items removed at the McConnells' expense.
Cook also questioned McConnell regarding a large hole in her yard which is seen as a safety hazard. She said the 8-foot-deep hole is going to be a basement under a two-car garage expected to be erected there next year. A building permit was issued last summer for the construction, which has yet to take place. Because the garage won't be built, possibly, until next year, it was suggested that the hole be filled in until the project is under way.
"We're not filling it in," McConnell said. "We're putting a basement under the garage."
Town officials will check to see exactly when the building permit was issued and whether it remains valid before deciding what action should be taken regarding the hole. The McConnells may have to erect a fence around the hole for safety until the garage construction begins.
In other business, the council approved payments to the companies involved in the town's water project. Pay requests of $39,281.32 for Cripe Excavating, $36,081 for Ortman Well Drilling and $3,212.93 and $28,000 for Foresight Engineering were approved.
In another water project matter, the council OK'd a change order to repair two valves on existing water mains that do not shut off. The cost for the repairs will be $1,200 to $1,400 per valve.
The council also:
• Approved a quote of $1,175 for labor and materials to paint and paper the front office and hallway of the fire station. Raymond Baker & Sons will do the work, which is to repair water damage from a roof leak.
• Sign an ordinance raising the pay for council members to $100 per month, or $1,200 per year. Council members did receive $800 per year for their work.
• Gave approval for Mark Sullivan of Commonwealth Engineering to bid the wastewater project upon Indiana Department of Management approval of the application. The bid process was expected to be undertaken Tuesday, but a glitch in paperwork delayed the matter.
An executive session was set for 6 p.m. June 16 to discuss interviews completed regarding hiring of a code enforcement officer and the items designated for the ordinance bureau. The next regular meeting is at 6 p.m. July 13. Meetings are now being held at the fire station.
