Roachdale council continues working on improving town

ROACHDALE -- The Roachdale Town Council met on Monday to discuss further work on property clean-ups and town improvement.

Roachdale's continuing project of cleaning up properties in town has yielded some improvements. After taking to sending out letters to properties that were dilapidated or in need of repair, Town Marshal Mike Mahoy noted improvements on several properties.

"Most understand what they need to do," Mahoy said. "If the improvements are done, no problem. If no improvement, then we have a problem."

One property will be going to bid for demolition and that is the Shelia Williams' property. The property has shown no improvements or clean-up.

Mahoy also brought to attention several garages in the town that had become unsafe. The town will be issuing notice to the property owners shortly, owners will have 30 days to comply.

Town Council President Jack Jones asked if the town was legally able to go on to private property to take care of a nuisance. Town Attorney Dave Peebles told Jones that the town had the authority to go onto private land to pursue a nuisance or ordinance.

In other parts of town improvement resident Tammy Folck asked that the park be closed on Saturday, Aug. 31 so that the local churches can do a workday at the park. Folck also asked the council for help to replace the bathroom doors at the park. The doors would cost around $350 to replace. The council agreed to both of Folck's request.

The town also agreed to help with the cost of a tree at 105 N. Main Street. The town will pay half the cost, $350, for removal.

Utility workers have noticed the need for tree stump removal around Roachdale. The cost of the stump removal would be $100 per hour. Council member Barbara Scott asked for an estimation on how much time would be appropriate for the stump removal. Removal will be discussed at a later meeting.

Jones brought up hiring an engineer to come take a look at parts of roads that might need to be improved and to help with federal grants. Scott and council member Zach Bowers, suggested that Clerk-Treasurer Martha Louk look for available grants before they go find an engineer.

The next Roachdale Town Council meeting will be Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.