Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Robert Hudson, an artist in the Village at Winona, told the Winona Town Council today he believes the town and its police department "did not welcome people to the community, and rather pushed them away."
After recently receiving a citation from Winona Lake police for performing maintenance on his boat in the town's park, Hudson said regulations and penalties were creating a problem for residents.
"What I have a problem with is the over-exuberance of police issuing tickets in town," Hudson said. "And everywhere I look, there's a sign saying, 'no,' and telling me what I can't do."
Town Marshal Malcolm Gilbert reported Hudson had received two warnings before being cited for his violation in the park.
Jeff Carroll said the issue would be considered by the council.
In other matters, the board discussed a recent ordinance regulating garage sales within the town. A mandatory $5 permit stated in the ordinance for garage sales raised questions from numerous councilmen.
"We have some good things written in the ordinance, but I'm concerned right now with the permits," councilman Rolly Ortega said. "Current problems with garage sales are minimal, and by assigning permits, the entire community becomes involved. I don't think we've done enough before we decide to rely on a permit situation."
Councilman Jerry Clevenger agreed with Ortega's comments and related the situation to Hudson's comments about too much enforcement in the community.
"While I agree with Rolly (Ortega), I also feel that the permits encourage accountability, which gives us a means to document people and keep everything in regulation," Clevenger said. "I can see both sides of the matter, and I would hope we can solve the matter without permit regulation."
The board then voted unanimously to approve the ordinance with recommendations to remove a section regarding permit requirements.
"Unfortunately, we have a small percent of the population causing 95 percent of the problems we are forced to handle," Gilbert said. "Let's see if this ordinance will solve these problems."
The board also:
• Heard reports from Pam Kennedy, of Housing Opportunities of Warsaw, involving the need for a revolving loan fund after the town acquired $25,000 from specific home sales. The loan would be used for home rehabilitation, home purchases and down payment assistance.
• Voted unanimously for final approval on an ordinance to regulate massage establishments in Winona Lake.
• Approved town treasurer Retha Hicks' presentation of the town's 2006 budget. Hicks said few changes were made from last year's budget, and a hiring of a senior center director was the only considerable increase.
• Heard reports regarding the removal of trees on Pierceton Road beside Stonehenge Gold Course. The operation began today, and will last until Wednesday or Thursday. Drivers should expect temporary road closings and slowed traffic in the area.
Present council members were Delp, Ortega, Clevenger, and Jeff Carroll. Joy Lohse was absent.
