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WINONA LAKE - House numbers now are mandatory for all residents living in Winona Lake after an ordinance passed Tuesday, though fines were not established for violators of the new code.
Councilmen said the law will help assist local police, fire and medical units identify residential units in case of emergencies. The ordinance is more of a recommendation from the council, a public relations tool offering to help residents without penalty, councilmen said.
"This is something we would like to see happen. Hopefully, it can be used as a guideline for new developments around town," Council President Rolly Ortega said.
In other matters, an amendment was approved for a boat-trailer ordinance, which extended trailer parking time on public streets to 24 hours, an increase from the previous one-hour limit.
The council hopes the change gives boat owners more time to prepare their crafts before placing them in the water.
During the past three meetings, residents suggested adjustments to the ordinance to better address how much time is needed for boat preparation.
"I think this is a good compromise from what we have had before," Ortega said. "In my opinion, 24 hours does seem like it's workable."
But residents questioned whether the boat trailer ordinance was even necessary because the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles does not define a difference between boat trailers and trailers in general.
Winona has a general trailer ordinance established, which could be used to enforce boat trailer parking as well.
Because a legal definition of a boat trailer is not defined, the town could find problems enforcing the law on violators.
"I feel this is unnecessary. Why have something on the books that's unenforceable?" resident Jack Volkers said. "(The previous ordinance) gives you all the ammo you need to enforce this."
Councilmen continued to pass the ordinance, but said they would revisit the trailer ordinances in the future to see if further improvement could be made on the issue.
Also discussed was a memorandum of understanding with Grace College for road improvements on Wooster Road for the construction of the Orthopedic Capital Center on the university's campus.
Town Engineer Larry Long provided the council with information on the various projects considered by Winona, including new road cuts, intersection realignments and utility relocations on and around Wooster Road.
The council approved the memorandum, but must establish wages and supply costs before a bid letting can be released to the public.
The board also reported a newly enforced trash limit of two 32-gallon bags per week. According to the council, a 1999 town ordinance established the limit, but the enforcement is now in effect due to the requirements of the town's trash service provider, Allied Waste Services.
If a resident has more than two bags, tags for additional bags can be purchased at town hall for $1 each.
Council members present for Tuesday's meeting were Ortega, Dave Delp, Jeff Carroll and Jerry Clevenger. Absent was Joy Lohse.
The next council meeting is June 27.
