Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER – Cats and chickens were among the topics discussed at the North Webster Town Council meeting Tuesday.
A representative from the Kosciusko Community Trap, Neuter and Return program spoke after the meeting opened. President Cindy Lursen said the nonprofit recently helped spay and/or neuter 25 cats on Morton Street in North Webster.
“We’ve got a cat population problem,” she said of Kosciusko County. “The population is out of control. There’s a problem in every town.”
Lursen said 721 cats were spayed or neutered and returned last year. She stressed the importance of spaying and neutering to prevent overpopulation.
She said the cost can reach $400 per cat, which contributes to the problem, but noted the organization can perform the procedure for $50 to $100 per cat.
The council approved a $2,000 donation to the organization.
Utilities Superintendent Mike Noe said drainage issues on Stanley Street are being addressed.
“It’s been a problem for a while,” Noe said.
He also reported brush pickup is underway, trash cans were expected to be delivered by Wednesday, April 22, and pothole repairs are ongoing. Paving is expected to begin after Memorial Day and be completed before June 17, weather permitting. The work is expected to take two days.
Town Marshal Greg Church presented the department’s March report. Officers logged 821 hours, drove 3,845 miles and used 331.1 gallons of fuel. There were 255 calls for service, including 20 domestic-related calls, five theft or fraud reports, one drug-related call, four alcohol-related incidents, 46 traffic-related calls, eight accidents or vehicles in a ditch, 28 citizen assists or lockouts and 19 assists to fire or EMS agencies.
The town park will open May 15, with Music in the Park events to begin soon.
A request from Jacob and Nichole Roberson to keep chickens at their property at 304 N. Hickory St. West was denied. However, the council granted a 30-day extension while their new home is under construction. Council members said they did not want to set a precedent allowing chickens within town limits. Church said he has heard complaints.
Jo Mishler, owner of Barefoot Cottage at 221 N. Main St., raised concerns about “no parking” spaces in front of the business. The were previously three parking spots and would like them reinstated. She was advised to speak with Fire Chief Jeremy Likens, as the fire station is located across the street.
In other business, the council:
• Approved a one-way alley ordinance for property west of Ind. 13 between Huntington and Hime streets at the request of a resident.
• Approved a three-year sanitation contract extension with Waste Connections Indiana at a fixed rate.
• Approved a tall grass ordinance.
The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 19.
