Bainbridge council approves abandoned vehicle ordinance

Bainbridge Town Council members approved on a first reading an ordinance to regulate the removal and disposal of certain abandoned and inoperable vehicles Wednesday.

The ordinance now includes a section defining "mechanically inoperable" vehicles. These are defined as "a vehicle which does not meet the minimum equipment standards required for operation on the highway or street as set forth by Indiana Code 9-19.

Town Attorney Jim Ensley explained that this includes vehicles that are not plated, don't have windows or working brake lights.

John Seniour with Seniour's Towing yard asked if the council had the ability to change the state regulations. His concern centered on a vehicle being tagged by police and the owner moving it ten feet away.

"Once that happens we have to go through the process all over again," said Seniour.

"The mechanically inoperable should take care of it," responded Council member Bonnie Hanlon.

The ordinance will not affect racing and military vehicles or antique cars.

The ordinance was approved by all three council members.

A clean up day has been set for the town of Bainbridge as Saturday, May 9 beginning at 8 a.m. Everything is the same as last year with the exception there will not be any tox away. That day is set for May 5 at the Putnam County Fair Grounds.

There will be five dumpsters set up in the parking lot behind the community center. Stump removal will also take place that day. Volunteers are needed to help with the event.

Thursa Evens with BIZ thanked Nelson and the council for their help in providing and landscaping the area around the community center.

"This was something that really needed to be done. It took a lot of people and equipment. I just really appreciate all the help," said Evens.

Town Clerk Jason Hartman reported no information has been received from the Indiana Department of Transportation stimulus money. The town sent a request for funds to mill and resurface North Washington Street .

Last month Hartman told council members he thought the town was one of the first ones to have a project ready to send to INDOT and he felt they could get funding.

Utilities Superintendent Jim Nelson told the group the water tower had been drained for an inspection and was waiting for a report back regarding what repairs would be needed.

The Bainbridge Town Council meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Community Center at 7 p.m.