Fillmore says 'no' to ATV's
Fillmore Town Council members Jeff Osborn, Wes Terhune and Allen Jones approved the first reading of an ordinance that prevents ATV four-wheel vehicles from being driven on town streets.
The council is adopting the four-wheel ordinance already in place in the state of Indiana banning off-road vehicles on Indiana Streets. Anyone out of compliance with the ordinance will have their vehicle confiscated and receive a $100 fine for a first offense, $150 fine for a second, $200 for a third and a $500 fine for each additional infraction.
Local resident Cheryl Bumgardner asked if the new ordinance would apply to dirt and mini bikes.
"This particular ordinance only applies to ATV four-wheeled vehicles," explained Osborn. "We have to have law enforcement deal with this problem. As a town council we can't do anything but pass the ordinance."
Council members also approved paying for a Certified Public Accountant to come in to audit their books. The actual arrears for the town are $75,000 down from a previously reported $85,000.
"We've done all we can do at this point. Now, we need to bring somebody who knows what they are looking for to put all the pieces together," said Terhune.
Steven Forris asked if the CPA they were hiring was experienced with municipalities.
Clerk Wanda Sedlak explained they were retired from working for the state and this was exactly the kind of work they had been doing. The audit is expected to take about a month and cost between $3,000-$4,000.
"It has to be done," said Osborn. "We have taken all the boxes which were marked by years and sorted the papers. Wanda has done everything she could to get us this far. Now, we need some help."
The council is also working on a repayment program for persons who owe arrearages for their water and sewer bills. A Jan. 1, 2009 target date for implementation for the enforcement of the program is set. The repayment plan will be designed to help those who are making "good faith" efforts to catch up the amounts past due. Persons who are not making any effort to pay back amounts may get an "early shut-off."
Osborn said the program should be ready to present to the town by the end of the month.
The town council also set a date of Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. for a special meeting to discuss the changes of address due to issues with emergency management. Many numbers have to be changed in town in for better access for emergency personnel. A map of the town with the new numbers will be posted at Town Hall for review by residents. The special meeting is open to the public.
The Council also voted to have a Fall Town Clean Up day on Oct. 25. They also reminded residents of the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department Chicken Barbeque on Sept. 19 and 20.