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NORTH WEBSTER - Signs that advertise a business and are not on the business' property, or off-premises signs, are to be 250 feet off the road right of way, according to county regulations.
A sign owned by Sam Stimmel, advertising Stimmelators Gentleman's Club, is on the northeast corner of Ind. 13 and Washington Street, much too close to the road, according to town council president Myron Clark. The property, a former service station, is owned by Rick White and leased by Stimmel.
Town council members and residents said Wednesday they would like it to be moved the permitted distance, and they want the county plan commission to enforce their ordinance.
Clark proposed that a letter be sent to the plan commissioners citing noncompliance.
Doug Brinegar attended the meeting to discuss installation of a 6-foot privacy fence around his in-ground pool. His request was tabled.
Brinegar, who lives at 721 Boydston Mill Drive, recently found out the cement surrounding the pool encroaches on town property. Brinegar and his contractor assumed a standard 35-foot easement on one side of the property. Years ago, before Brinegar purchased the land, the easement was established at 40 feet.
Clark said several residents in the area have complained about Brinegar's decision to build the pool.
"You made a mistake," Clark said. He advised the property owner to have his legal representative write an encroachment agreement for the town to review. "But, if at any time, the town wants to widen the road, you'll have to remove the cement and any fencing," Clark said.
Brinegar explained he didn't know about the 40-foot easement when he purchased the property and he has lived there for 20 years.
He said he had fence posts already installed.
"So what?" Clark asked. "You erected a structure on town property. I remember an application for an above-ground pool you submitted years ago. I do not remember one for an in-ground pool."
Clark said a 6-foot privacy fence would be fine for two sides of the property but not on town property.
Local Boy Scout leader Bob Merchant approached the board regarding a variance to the firearms regulation to hold a turkey shoot Saturday on land owned by and adjacent to the North Webster United Methodist Church on Epworth Forest Road.
The fund-raising event has been held the last three years.
Town marshal Jerry Craig said if he got complaints about the noise he would like to stop the proceedings. Board members Clark, Kay Andrews and Ken Wagner approved the variance with the restrictions proposed by the Craig.
Scouts will go door to door to advise nearby residents of the event.
In other business the board:
• Heard a report from Craig, who cited an increase in arrests - 18 total, 15 adults and three juvenile.
• Heard from parks director Terry Pawlicki, who said her department had a great summer with no vandalism and a wonderful musical program. She said the department is seeking a grant from the Department of Natural Resources to finish paving the park's parking lot.
Clerk Peg Lawrance said she contacted a contractor to close the rest rooms Oct. 27.
• Approved a $61,812 bill from Phend and Brown, Milford, for improvements to South Street, from Ind. 13 to East Street. The final amount is $19,099 more than the original estimate.
• Tabled an ordinance establishing a road as Eckert Lane in the Eckert addition.
• Set trick-or-treat times at Oct. 30, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Set the next board meeting for Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.
• Heard from Andrews about a Chamber of Commerce strategic planning meeting to be held in the community building Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. in conjunction with Ball State University.
