Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SIDNEY — The temperature in the Sidney Fire Station meeting room Monday night increased higher than it already was during discussion of residents using town property for parking.
At least four to five town residents engaged in heated arguments among each other over items placed or parked in town alleys, vehicles parked on town property and on property with no license plates up on blocks.
On several occasions, town council members attempted to regain control of the meeting to no avail. Finally, Gavin Parrett, council president, shouted above the arguments and brought the meeting back to order.
It was noted there are multiple vehicles and items on town property, which were not allowed. This prompted questions from residents about vehicles with no license plates, placed on blocks, covered, etc. Councilwoman Sharon Rancourt noted there is a town ordinance regarding vehicles on private property, which must be tagged and plated and moved every 30 days. She added being covered didn’t count and is being addressed.
Rancourt suggested the town start handing out ordinance violations.
Concern was expressed by Rebecca Adams, council member, for herself and her neighbors, who have no driveways, but their deeds say they are allowed off-street parking. “Where do we park?” she asked.
This concern started the arguments between Tom Bell, Butch Lent, Yvonne Bell and several others. Arguments focused on the width of the road, and how recent paving allegedly widened areas, which residents were assured was not the case, who had what on town property, where the town property actually is located, and how use of driveways was hampered since the paving.
“For the town, we cannot make decisions for ourselves,” Rancourt commented. “We’re not trying to be difficult. The decision impacts other people, the next generation and what is best for the town.”
She noted the alleys were for town use, not the public and it was not for public parking.
It was at this point Tom Bell interjected a comment about the number of pedophiles in town and if people knew who and where they were. Rancourt stated they were registered sex offenders and there was nothing the town could do, per federal law.
Kevin Wagoner, fire chief, noted if this affects emergency personnel responding to a call. Rancourt noted emergency personnel vehicles were not applicable.
The council agreed to start the process of creating a parking ordinance for use on town property at its next meeting.
Other discussions from the handful of residents present included inquires if a specific street was a road or alley, which it was determined was an alley; the lease law for dogs, request for no cruising signs to keep those on golf carts from cruising town streets, which started another argument among several residents; what could be done about the frequent power outages in town; and getting the police to patrol other locations other than Ind. 13.
During department reports, Tim Woodward, sewer department, presented a lengthy report, which included no problems with permits and inspections; however, a look to the future of the 20-year-old plant was suggested as some issues are occurring.
He suggested looking into some upgrades and will be meeting with an individual in the coming weeks on suggestions. Woodward and the individual will be making a presentation at the September meeting. He said there may be wastewater funding available through the State Revolving Fund with no cost to the town.
Additionally, he noted there potentially are some sub pumps going into the sewer system as after a heavy rain there is an influx of water. He stated he has checked manholes and found one 1-1/2 years ago that was not loose. Sam Politano stated he recently did some upgrades on a house and found a sub pump connected to the sewer. It was disconnected.
Woodward will be working with Lisa Parrett, clerk-treasurer, on wording for a letter to send out informing residents sub pumps are not to be connected to the sewer lines and need to be disconnected.
Throughout Woodward’s report, Bell interjected questions and offered suggestions for the issues noted by Woodward.
The town will also be looking at the contract with Woodward regarding his payment and expiration of the contract. He made mentioned that he was not fully funded. It was noted the contract is for $20,000 a year or $2,000 a month.
During other reports, it was noted that Joe Calhoun was not aware he was the town’s maintenance man. This will be clarified with Calhoun. He will also be given a few locations needing attention with weed eating and mowing of town property.
The next meeting of the council will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, in the fire station’s meeting room.
