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Individuals inappropriately conducting garage sales in Winona Lake might soon face a fine of $250, compared to the current $50 fine imposed by Winona Lake Police.
The Winona Lake Town Council discussed measures today to halt residents from using the "garage sale" label to disguise the selling of personal property from their homes for lengthy periods of time.
"We have a small problem with this situation," member Rolly Ortega said. "Whether it be a garage sale, yard sale, or someone putting an air conditioner on their porch every day, we need to limit the activity so we don't take away from how the town looks."
The council discussed whether car sales should be included in the new ordinance and also if garage sale permits should be incorporated to legitimize resident activities. If the city were to allow permits, it would alleviate problems the police department currently faces with recording how long certain places officially hold "garage sales."
"Ninety-nine percent of the people holding garage sales are not in question here," member David Delp said. "We don't want to strictly enforce garage sales in general. We've only been having problems with specific areas."
An ordinance to raise the fine to $250 was tabled, allowing the board to restructure certain stipulations within the ordinance to better address the community.
The council approved a supplemental agreement for the CR 250E improvement project, allowing for adjustments to standards regarding a change in railroad ownership and additional charges for a new intersection within the project. Town coordinator Craig Allebach was approved to enter right-of-way agreements to acquire properties for the CR 250E development.
The Winona Police Department is accepting applications for reserve officer positions. Individuals interested should call 574-267-7581.
The board also:
• Approved $300 to fund a Lake John weed control project that took place Wednesday.
• Heard from Jerry Nelson, who personally thanked the street department for their clean-up of seaweed along Esplanade Street.
• Heard a report from the fire department regarding costs and leasing options for the purchase of a new fire truck.
• Discussed a letter from Janelle Fancil thanking the Winona Lake Fire Department and First Responders.
Present members were Ortega, Delp, Joy Lohse and Jerry Clevenger. Jeff Carroll was absent.
