More trash talk

Several ordinance changes are being considered.

Portland City Council on Tuesday discussed Mayor Jeff Westlake’s proposed changes to the city’s trash collection ordinance as well as the potential addition of an ordinance governing RVs.

Council reviewed possible changes to the trash collection ordinance proposed by Westlake, who was not at the meeting because he was attending a training session. His suggested changes include bringing back spring and fall clean-up days for large trash pick-up and adjusting the ordinance to allow residents to put out up to three bags of trash, limited to 40 pounds or less, in addition to what can fit their Toter.

After some discussion, council president Kent McClung suggested considering the two ideas separately, with members quick to agree that they are in support of bringing back the clean-up days.

Council members weren’t convinced that allowing bags of trash is a positive step, with Matt Goldsworthy saying he feels three is too many. He and Mike Aker both pointed out that one of the key reasons for the switch to the Toters was to avoid city workers being injured by sharp objects in trash bags.

Ashley Hilfiker questioned the weight limit and how it would be measured and enforced.

McClung noted that residents can purchase their own “mobile garbage bins” (generic for Toter) and it will be emptied free of charge or get a Toter from the city for an additional $5.50 monthly fee. Goldsworthy said the fee for trash pick-up is minimal compared to other municipalities and rural residents.

City attorney Wes Schemenaur said he would modify the proposed ordinance amendment to reflect the council’s comments. It will be considered at a future meeting.

Council members Michele Brewster, Dave Golden, Ron May, McClung, Goldsworthy, Aker and Hilfiker also discussed adding an ordinance to address RVs, with Schemenaur providing some sample language. He noted that it will be up to the council to decide what restrictions to place, but added that he suggests fines large enough to be a deterrent.

They talked about various options, with Hilfiker saying she feels RVs should not be parked on a street or in an alley and should also not obstruct views of traffic. But, she added, requiring them to be in a garage or carport would be a step too far.

McClung offered the possibility of requiring that they be in a backyard. He also raised the question of whether it should be legal to live in an RV permanently or for a limited period of time. (He added that exceptions could be made for events such as the Tri-State Antique Engine and Tractor Show.)

Schemenaur encouraged council members to consider the issue and research ordinances from other municipalities and return with ideas regarding what a proposed ordinance should include.

McClung also noted that Westlake has expressed interest in reviewing the city’s golf cart ordinance and potentially eliminating the registration fee.

In other business:

•Council approved a three-year tax abatement for Sonoco Protective Solutions on a $1.16 million investment. It will save the company just over $30,000 in taxes. The investment is expected to result in nine new jobs. Council members also sent a request from FR Holdings for a five-year tax abatement on $1.05 million in renovations to allow space for growth for Priority Plastics to the city’s tax abatement advisory committee.

•Blaine Pike residents and May expressed concerns about the Blaine Pike paving and walking trail project. Among the questions were why the walking trail does not extend to Bittersweet Lane on the south end and to Water Street on the north end. Phillips said she reached out to engineering firm Beam, Longest and Neff regarding the project and learned that Indiana Department of Transporation rules — the project was mostly funded by a federal grant passed through INDOT — don’t allow it to continue to the Bittersweet intersection because there is no sidewalk on Bittersweet Lane or continuing along Blaine Pike. Railroad complications were cited as a potential reason for not extending the walking path to Water Street, though it was pointed out that the path ends well short of the railroad right of way. Residents also expressed concern about drainage. (The project is not yet finished. Completion is expected in May.)

•McClung asked a question regarding the county’s plans for the Seventh Street bridge over the Salamonie River after county highway superintendent reported to Jay County Commissioners last week that an adjoining property owner has refused to grant right-of-way access. Schemenaur, who is also the attorney for the county, explained that the issue may delay seeking funding for the replacement of the bridge but that the county could apply for Community Crossings grant funding again in July.

•Phillips reported to the council that demolition of the buildings at 208 and 210 N. Meridian St. is expected to begin in the second half of February. She also said equipment to livestream and record meetings is expected to be installed in council chambers in March.

•Goldsworthy and Aker thanked city employees for their work during the recent snowy and frigid weather.

•Golden thanked residents who come to him and other council members with their concerns.