Roachdale takes steps on property clean-ups

ROACHDALE--Roachdale Town Council held its monthly meeting on Tuesday evening. The town council is continuing to take care of property clean-ups and improve parts of town.

The town council brought up the continuing issue of the Williams property. Council member Zach Bowers stated his urge to move forward and to take measures on the town putting the demolition of the property out to bid. The property has been an issue since October, according to Bowers. Town Council President Jack Jones abstained from making a decision.

Bowers also brought up that Jim Bryant wished to have something in writing from the town on having the trailer removed from his property by July 1. The town will be sending the noticed to Bryant.

Dan Asher has taken care of the frame and unsafe structure of the old Wiggins home on Railroad St., but trash had been left at the site. The town council will be sending a warning and if it is not cleaned the property will be fined starting on July 1.

The council also approved an ordinance on regulation of vegetation and weed height. If plants reach eight inches or higher people may complain to the town in writing.

If the owner of the property that is complained about is found in violation a fine will be presented. The first fine will be $25, second $50 and the third $100.

If the vegetation is not removed after five days of the third offence, the town or a hired contractor may go onto the property to remove it. The property owner will incur the cost of the removal.

In other business:

-Tammy Folck presented to the board an update on the park clean-up project she is heading. There will be a park clean-up day on Saturday, June 15.

-John Engle asked the board to lower a ticket that he received from his dog getting loose to a warning. The council approved his request.

-Two building permits were issued: one to Tracey Adams to add on to fencing on her property and to Joe Buser to add on a porch to his property.

- The town will also be covering half the cost on removing a dead tree on Washington St.

-Town Marshal Mike Mahoy has asked people of Roachdale to register for the reverse 911 system. The system will help to notify residents of water issues, emergencies and other important information. People may register at www.co.putnam.in.us.

- Mahoy also mentioned an increase in the amount of calls received about loose dogs. Mahoy told the council that the department is unable to catch animals and will not catch them until the humane society opens up again.

The next Roachdale Town Council meeting will be held on July 9 at 6 p.m.