October 16, 2020 at 5:23 p.m.
Redkey council imposes fine for violation
Residents have 2 weeks to disconnect from system
Redkey council imposes fine for violation
By Rose Skelly-
REDKEY— Town residents whose downspouts are connected to Redkey’s sewer system will have two weeks to disconnect before facing a fine.
Redkey Town Council voted to impose a fine of up to $250 a day on residents who have not brought their rainwater drainage up to code.
Council also heard an update on Redkey’s reimbursement from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economics Security Act (CARES Act).
A few months ago, the town sent out letters to homeowners whose downspouts were connected to the sewer system, giving them 30 days to disconnect. While most have complied, clerk-treasurer Debbie James told council a few are still connected.
“We’ve been dealing with this stuff for four years,” said sewage operator Randy Young. “We just keep giving them more and more time, it’s only going to come back to get us.”
Under the town’s sewage ordinance, residents whose downspouts are connected to the sewer system can be fined up to $250 a day, up to $2,500 total.
After discussing how many additional days to give residents in non-compliance, council settled on two weeks from today. Those whose homes still have connected downspouts will receive a certified letter informing them of the timeline and the possible fines.
“You hate to do it,” said council president Gary Gardner. “But if we don’t do something, then nobody’s going to do anything, that’s what I’m saying. We’ve got to nip this in the bud.”
Also on Thursday, council heard that the town is expected to receive $42,000 in federal aid from the CARES Act. The money is reimbursement for additional expenses incurred during the coronavirus pandemic.
James told council that the money could be used to make up shortfalls next year if the 2021 budget ends up being cut. However, it could also be used for the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Community Crossings program, which is a 75-25 matching grant. If the town leveraged the full amount and received a grant, it could complete more than $160,000 worth of paving next year.
Young also mentioned the possibility of partnering with Redkey Economic Development Corporation, which would be willing to contribute $25,000 if the town matched that amount. If the town was awarded a Community Crossings grant, it could complete $200,000 worth of paving.
Council tabled the issue until it receives more information about the CARES Act reimbursement.
In other business, council members Randy May, Erik Hammers, John Pierce, Dottie Quakenbush and Gardner:
•Gave final approval for the 2021 budget, which came in at $572,784.
•Scheduled a special meeting to discuss possible changes to the water utility ordinance. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 22.
•Finalized the payment details for the Redkey Police Department’s new Dodge Durango, which will cost $29,897. Council agreed that $10,000 will come from the Local Option Income Tax fund, $10,000 from the cumulative capital improvement fund and $10,000 from the police department’s budget. Rather than taking out a loan for the police department’s portion, it will “borrow” the amount from the cumulative capital improvement fund and pay it back monthly without interest.
•Were reminded that fall cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, with residents advised to place their items out tonight. Items that will not be picked up include electronics, tires, building materials, hazardous materials, items with freon or chemicals and unbagged brush.
•Decided to cut down two trees on High Street to make the railroad crossing visible from 400 feet in each direction. Little JJ’s Tree Service volunteered labor for the tree removal, with the town covering the fuel costs. Additional trees may be removed if the visibility is still blocked.
•Set trick-or-treating hours from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Also heard that the Redkey Fire Department will have its Halloween Costume Contest on Oct. 31, with lineup at 5:15 p.m. and the costume parade at 5:30 p.m.
•Purchased two new computers for the town hall building for $1,104 from Progressive Office Products in Portland.
•Paid claims of $105,897.76.
Redkey Town Council voted to impose a fine of up to $250 a day on residents who have not brought their rainwater drainage up to code.
Council also heard an update on Redkey’s reimbursement from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economics Security Act (CARES Act).
A few months ago, the town sent out letters to homeowners whose downspouts were connected to the sewer system, giving them 30 days to disconnect. While most have complied, clerk-treasurer Debbie James told council a few are still connected.
“We’ve been dealing with this stuff for four years,” said sewage operator Randy Young. “We just keep giving them more and more time, it’s only going to come back to get us.”
Under the town’s sewage ordinance, residents whose downspouts are connected to the sewer system can be fined up to $250 a day, up to $2,500 total.
After discussing how many additional days to give residents in non-compliance, council settled on two weeks from today. Those whose homes still have connected downspouts will receive a certified letter informing them of the timeline and the possible fines.
“You hate to do it,” said council president Gary Gardner. “But if we don’t do something, then nobody’s going to do anything, that’s what I’m saying. We’ve got to nip this in the bud.”
Also on Thursday, council heard that the town is expected to receive $42,000 in federal aid from the CARES Act. The money is reimbursement for additional expenses incurred during the coronavirus pandemic.
James told council that the money could be used to make up shortfalls next year if the 2021 budget ends up being cut. However, it could also be used for the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Community Crossings program, which is a 75-25 matching grant. If the town leveraged the full amount and received a grant, it could complete more than $160,000 worth of paving next year.
Young also mentioned the possibility of partnering with Redkey Economic Development Corporation, which would be willing to contribute $25,000 if the town matched that amount. If the town was awarded a Community Crossings grant, it could complete $200,000 worth of paving.
Council tabled the issue until it receives more information about the CARES Act reimbursement.
In other business, council members Randy May, Erik Hammers, John Pierce, Dottie Quakenbush and Gardner:
•Gave final approval for the 2021 budget, which came in at $572,784.
•Scheduled a special meeting to discuss possible changes to the water utility ordinance. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 22.
•Finalized the payment details for the Redkey Police Department’s new Dodge Durango, which will cost $29,897. Council agreed that $10,000 will come from the Local Option Income Tax fund, $10,000 from the cumulative capital improvement fund and $10,000 from the police department’s budget. Rather than taking out a loan for the police department’s portion, it will “borrow” the amount from the cumulative capital improvement fund and pay it back monthly without interest.
•Were reminded that fall cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, with residents advised to place their items out tonight. Items that will not be picked up include electronics, tires, building materials, hazardous materials, items with freon or chemicals and unbagged brush.
•Decided to cut down two trees on High Street to make the railroad crossing visible from 400 feet in each direction. Little JJ’s Tree Service volunteered labor for the tree removal, with the town covering the fuel costs. Additional trees may be removed if the visibility is still blocked.
•Set trick-or-treating hours from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Also heard that the Redkey Fire Department will have its Halloween Costume Contest on Oct. 31, with lineup at 5:15 p.m. and the costume parade at 5:30 p.m.
•Purchased two new computers for the town hall building for $1,104 from Progressive Office Products in Portland.
•Paid claims of $105,897.76.
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