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Last updated on Tuesday, January 31, 2012
(OOLITIC) - The Oolitic Street Department wants the council to set guide rules on brush pickup. Currently there are no policies in place.
The Street Department, which is comprised of three men, wants the policy because the brush problem is becoming overwhelming. Their concern, because of manpower issues, is they can't handle the work load.
Council Member Bill Kendall says it's the town's responsibility to pick up brush from property owners because they pay taxes. He did add that if the homeowner hires someone to cut down a tree, it is that person's responsibility to remove the brush, not the towns.
But questions arose if residents have someone cut down a tree but don't pay them for the work will the town remove the brush. The discussion went back and forth and the board decided to table the issue.
In other business:
The council voted to have Pittman draft a letter to the bank that has repossessed the old school gym, to see if repairs could be made to the building.
Nikirk says shingles from the roof are blowing off and into the roadways and that several of the windows are broken out. He added the building it a danger and not secure against vandals. He says cats and pigeons are in the building posing a health hazard.
Michelle Carrico, from the Southern Indiana Development Commission, addressed the council. Carrico assists the community with grant writing and suggested the town make a wish list of things they would like to see improved in the town. Then her team could find grants to make some of those wishes a reality.
Oolitic Volunteer Fire Department Chief asked the board about the LOIT money the town received for the fire department and when that money would be released to the department.
Lewis says $13,000 was deposited in 2010 and another $11,000 in 2011. LOIT funds are to be used for public safety. Clerk-Treasurer Jim Staley says the money was deposited into the general funds and he is reviewing those accounts.
He added the State Board of Accounts would be in Oolitic on Wednesday to look at the accounts and he hopes to have answers soon. Staley added the town is also facing issues with late payments for federal taxes.
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