Winona Managing Director Expresses Concerns With Litter; Town Has Litter Ordinance
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
WINONA LAKE - Winona Lake Managing Director Brent Wilcoxson expressed his concern with litter in the town during Tuesday morning's town council meeting.
Wilcoxson brought in a plastic bag filled with litter to show the council the trash he has collected during the past two weeks near the Boat House Restaurant and along Park Avenue. He said the litter in the bag included fast food bags, broken beer bottles and cigarette butts.
"I'd like to encourage the council to effectively find a way to prevent people from littering in the town," Wilcoxson said.
Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks said she has seen milk jugs along Pierceton Road and was disappointed by the appearance.
Councilman Jim Lancaster suggested the town work with the local schools to pick up the litter.
"Seeing other people pick up the litter sends a good visual message to those who litter," Lancaster said.
Wilcoxson said that is a good idea, but he wishes people who litter would be responsible for picking up their own trash.
The town has a litter ordinance for Winona Lake Park. The ordinance states it is unlawful to litter on park property, and it is unlawful for any person or organization to permit littering on park property. It also states a person who violates the ordinance will receive a $50 fine.
The town also has a solid waste ordinance for disposal of garbage and refuse. It states it is unlawful to place any garbage or refuse around town except in a container.
The ordinance also has a section that states it is unlawful to deposit or permit to fall from any vehicle, any garbage, refuse or natural debris on any public street, alley, stream, canal, or lake in the town.
In other business, the town approved to install new laminate flooring in the Winona Lake Senior Center. Town Coordinator Craig Allebach said the current tile flooring is eight years old, and had moisture under it and is cracking and coming up.
The council approved a wastewater treatment facility proposal. The agreement includes project survey services and a preliminary engineering report.
The council also reviewed three asphalt bids for general maintenance of streets in the town it received from Phend & Brown, Brooks Construction Company and Niblock Excavating. Hicks said the town will take the bids under advisement.
Also during the meeting, Town Council President Terry Howie said he was concerned with cars being parked on the street on 13th Street to Sunday Lane, and it would be hard if emergency vehicles need to get through. Town Marshal Paul Schmidt said he will look into the issue.
Schmidt also said he cleaned out the police department garage Tuesday to paint the floor.
Upcoming events in the town include the Northern Indiana Fat & Skinny Tire Festival Friday through Sunday in the town with a schedule at www.fatandskinnytirefest.com; the National Crime Victim's Rights Week walk Saturday at Grace College; a Friday shop hop May 8 in the Village at Winona from 6 to 9 p.m.; Grace College graduation May 9; and a walk in the woods May 9 at 9, 9:30, 10, 10:30 and 11 a.m.
