Fillmore hires new deputies

BY MARIBETH WARD

Staff Writer

Darrel Bunten was welcomed as the new Fillmore Town Marshal at Thursday evenings' town meeting. Chris Helmer was also introduced as the town's new Deputy Marshal.

Thursday was Bunten's first day on the job and board members Wes Terhune, Jeff Osborne and Alan Jones asked him to review the animal nuisance ordinance and give them information on who to contact and what the guidelines are.

Bunten also gave the council an estimate to have work done on the struts, stabilizer links and other front end parts for the Intrepid police car at a cost of $1,200.

Fillmore resident Harold Breeden told the group they should fix the car.

"If that car needs to be repaired, fix it. That man's life is on the line for us and he protects us everyday. It should be fixed," he said.

Council members were concerned about the cost but approved having it fixed based on getting another estimate and trying to pare down the cost to fixing only the things that had to be.

The Council also reminded residents of the towns' clean-up day set for May 30, the same day as the county's Tox-Away Day at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

The schedule for the day is similar to last year, with the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department's cookout at the firehouse. The main course will be provided and people are asked to bring pitch-in items. Contact the Fillmore Town Hall for information about clean-up day.

Council member Wes Terhune suggested something be done about barking dogs on Main Street.

"They are beagles and coon dogs and bark all night," said Terhune. "I know dogs bark but this goes on for hours," he said.

Residents agreed there is a problem not only with barking but with loose dogs and cats.

Bunten told the council he had to witness the barking before he could do anything. He asked for copies of the town's ordinance so he would know how to respond.

"If it affects the quality of life in town, it's a nuisance," said council president Jeff Osborn. "We may need to look into varmint control," he added smiling.

Fillmore resident Steve Bunten suggested that raccoons were a problem and that could be causing the dogs to bark.

Darrel Bunten agreed to review information and get back to the council.

Janet King who lives on Westwood in town complained to the council about gunshots going off after dark on several occasions. She notified the Sheriff's department about an earlier incident but asked the council to look into it.

Several other residents joined in the conversation saying they too hear gunshots after dark and want it investigated.

Osborn informed residents that utility bills will look different due to a change in software.

The Fillmore Town Council meets on the first Thursday of the month at town hall at 7 p.m.

Notices of meetings are posted at the Fillmore Town Hall.