Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Mark Workman, of 903 Esplanade St., Winona Lake, presented a request today to the town council regarding parking situations along the town's island.
Workman complained of parking fines on Esplanade, saying current regulations create an inconvenience to his family and neighbors. The town restricts parking along Esplanade from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., with two-hour parking during the day. The council said any vehicle located along the road would impede the access of fire trucks or snow plows, and that the restrictions keep the road clear in case of fire emergencies.
Workman disagreed with the council regarding the access issue, saying that large vehicles have more than enough room to maneuver around parked cars along the street.
The town tabled the issue, and will focus on Workman's request again after more information is collected.
Harry Langford, of 1110 Court St., Winona Lake, discussed the town's seaweed problem and asked for a solution regarding disposal. Langford asked the board for public pickup of the waste, saying that residents who pulled seaweed out of Winona Lake did not know what to do with the waste.
Seaweed does not compost and the odor caused by seaweed has brought up complaints within the community.
Pete O'Connell, of Winona's street and sewer department, resolved the issue by offering a weekly schedule for public seaweed disposal, and suggested a pickup as soon as Thursday. O'Connell suggested using a truck and backhoe for seaweed extraction.
The topic of perpetual garage sales along Wooster Road was discussed by the board. Members hope to enforce harsher penalties on those disregarding town ordinance on the limitation of sale events on individual properties.
Member Dave Delp offered to increase the current fine of breaking the garage sale restrictions from $250 to $1,000.
"If we need to change the ordinance, let's change it. If we need to raise the penalty, let's raise it," Delp said. "I'm hoping for results on shutting down this situation."
Town Marshal Malcolm Gilbert requested specific details from the board regarding enforcement on such offenders.
The board also:
• Voted 3-1 to approve a Quick Claim Deed involving the town and Jim LeMasters, of 202 Esplanade St., regarding property where the Lion's Club building currently stands. Delp, Jerry Clevenger and Jeff Carroll voted in favor. Joy Lohse opposed.
• Discussed and tabled the decision to fund a weed control operation on Lake John. A written and verbal request was presented, and the board plans to vote on the topic in the next two weeks.
• Recognized Retha Hicks for her acceptance into the second level of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
• Discussed town events, including the Fourth of July Firecracker 5K scheduled for Saturday, and the PGA State Open Championship at Stonehenge, July 11-16.
• Reported on the Warsaw Optimist triathlon that took place over the weekend. Warsaw Optimist now plans meeting weekly at Grace College's Westminster Hall, instead of their previous fairgrounds location.
