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MENTONE - John Russell didn't appear at the Mentone Town Council meeting Monday night but the council made a decision on his double wide manufactured home anyway.
The council voted to give Russell 30 days from notification to move the double wide from his property. Russell received a building permit for new construction on the property, but the double wide, the council said, isn't new construction.
"As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't meet our standards," said Mark Hughes, council president.
For every day after the 30-day grace period that Russell does not move the double wide, Russell will be fined $10 per day.
The council also voted unanimously to allow mobile homes to be replaced with newer homes if they are less than 10 years old, but council approval is still required in each case.
According to Brian Reed, utilities superintendent, Amy Dickerhoff wants a new water line run to her property. She already has service there now, but she wants separate lines for her house and barn. The property is out of the town limits.
Tim Croy, councilman, said if that's what Dickerhoff wants, it has to be at her expense.
Clerk treasurer Barbara Ross said Dickerhoff wants to rent out the barn and have someone live in there.
"We shouldn't pay any cost," said Jack Simpson, councilman. "They should do it."
Hughes said instead of another line, a water meter could be put out at the barn, at Dickerhoff's expense. Reed said they could do that.
"I'll ask her that, see what she thinks," Reed said.
Harrison Township Trustee Jim Moyer said the land surveyor hit a snag while surveying the property for the Mentone Community Emergency Services Building. The portion of Tucker Street from the the south side of Ind. 25 to the north side of the railroad needs to be vacated. The council approved the vacation.
Reed also reported the west shop building has a leak in the roof. It has a bad spot on the north and west end, and he will check on the cost to put a metal roof on it.
In other business, the town council:
• Heard from Lori Marsh, Comcast Cable, that Comcast is setting up service for Mentone customers. The company plans to have a hog roast for the town to celebrate the cable being turned on in the town.
• Heard from Darrel Miller, Mentone street superintendent, the Tucker Street extension was bulldozed out and filled back in with a good foundation. The town is working on acquiring some more right of way to extend the street a little more.
• Heard the Mentone First Baptist Youth want to use the town park Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. The council said that was fine as long as no noise complaints were received.
• Announced a budget hearing will be conducted at 6 p.m. Aug. 29. The budget adoption hearing and regular September meeting will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 12.
Members of the Mentone Town Council are Croy, Hughes and Simpson.
