Cloverdale ready to demolish three structures

CLOVERDALE -- Three structures have been passed for demolition by the town council. During its meeting Tuesday, the council approved the demolition procedures and decided to begin accepting demolition bids.

The bids are for structures at 4 S. Lafayette St., 203 S. Lafayette St., and 270 Downboy Way. The two-story gray home at 4 S. Lafayette and dilapidated structure on Downboy Way were part of the most recent tax sale, but were not sold.

The council has chosen to move forward with the razing of the structures. All information on bidding can be found at the town hall, 154 S. Main St., or by calling clerk-treasurer Patti Truax at 795-4093.

In other business:

* The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has mandated Cloverdale have a fence erected around the water plant before the end of 2009. Utility manager Don Guthrie received three bids for the work, but was told he didn't follow proper guidelines.

The job was advertised properly, but no bids were submitted for the fencing job. Council members voted to allow vice-president Steve Caulkins receive quotes for the fencing.

However, a $2,500 survey must be completed before the fence can be erected. It has been since the 1970s that a survey was completed.

* Truax told the council a part-time employee has been working 30 hours per week for the utility department, which is in violation of the town's ordinance. The ordinance states a part-time employee is to work no more than 20 hours each week.

The employee has been working 30 hours each week since September and has been paid accordingly. Truax advised she reduced the hours immediately.

The town's attorney Alan Yackey said the council could "change the ordinance, if needed."

* The council voted to become members of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, at a cost of a little more than $300 per year.

Yackey recommended the town "get on board."

"There are a lot of resources through the Indiana Chamber," he added.

* Council member Terry Puffer proudly showed off the new zoning map. It has taken six revisions, three public hearings and a lot of work, he said.

The new map is in support of new zoning ordinances. Puffer encouraged everyone to look at the map. He also recommended the board approve 10 digital copies of the map be made through ASA.

"Many people request to see this map," he said.

The board approved it.

* Don Gedhert with the Redevelopment Commission informed the town council the pipeline is moving out quickly. He requested the council "keep an eye on Stardust Road."

"There is an average of 30 truck loads of wood traveling on the road each day," he added.

* The Board of Zoning Appeals is in need of a new member. Kathy Reese has resigned from the board. Anyone interested must live in the Cloverdale area and be appointed. The council is currently accepting nominations.

* A joint meeting with the utility board and town council has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the town hall. Reports from Guthrie will be heard during the utility portion of the meeting.

"It has been three months since we have heard from (Guthrie)," noted board member Kathy Tipton.

* Council approved to have the remaining 200 utility surveys mailed for approximately $100.

* The council will be holding a public hearing on two ordinances at its Dec. 2 meeting. Ordinances 2009-12 and 2009-13 will state any legal fees incurred during legal representation can be added to the bill.

"This does not benefit (Yackey)," noted Puffer. "The town has to pay him regardless. This is just a way for us to recoup that money in certain situations."