Town urges residents to clean up property

Clean up notices and abandoned cars were matters of discussion at the Roachdale Town Council meeting Tuesday night.

Notices had been sent to homeowners after the last meeting informing them of the need to clean up their property. As of Tuesday night's meeting, nobody had responded to the notices. Board member Barbara Scott told the board about the notices Marion County sends out. If homeowners in Marion County do not clean up their property, then it is added to their property taxes.

The problem with putting the charge on the property taxes, especially with the vacant lots, is will the town get the money if and when the property goes to the sheriff's sale.

"We can't compare the town to Marion County," said president Bill Long.

The board agreed to contact the town trustee, Jake Brown, to ask him about how they should go about handling the money charge.

Those who have not responded to the first notice sent by the board will be receiving another. "It's not getting any better," said Jack Jones.

It also came to the board's attention that the town had an abandoned car problem. The town marshal and deputies have been tagging the vehicles to be towed, but the problem with that is there is no place to haul them. With this issue, it defeats the purpose of tagging the vehicles that state the vehicle will be towed in 72 hours when it is not.

"We just need some guidance from the board to do something with these," said Deputy Rick Kiefer.

The board bounced around the idea of finding a local guy to take the vehicles. But in the end, Scott suggested talking to Bainbridge and other towns as to where and what they do with abandoned vehicles.

In other business, the council:

--Signed an agency letter and a supply exhibit for Utility Gas Management. The board made the switch to UGM at the last meeting after learning the company could offer a better rate for the community.

--Received a draft copy of the town ordinances from American Legal Company. The board has 60 days after a second letter is sent by the company to make changes and suggestions to the draft before it goes to print. The second letter should explain/answer any questions the board members have about the draft copy.

--Learned that the town marshal, Heath Kerns, is attending a training program with county deputies in Cleveland.

--Received a thank you from Fred King about putting up barricades for the recent car show.

--Learned that the new tornado siren will be going up once the ground is solid enough after the rain.

--Learned that the town water department will be flushing hydrants on July 19.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. in the town hall. It is open to the public.