LAPEL — The Lapel Town Council acknowledged the recent success of the newest police recruit and expressed thanks for a $500 donation to assist in the hire.
Council President Michael Cates said the Lions Club Bikers awarded the cash to the K-9 unit, which came on board at the request of patrolman Michael Porter.
The dog was ready for duty in late September and recently was involved in two heroin arrests, one marijuana arrest and one methamphetamine arrest, Cates reported.
Cates gave the report during the Nov. 17 council meeting.
Later, the council approved the purchase of two new patrol cars but decided not to make the purchase through a lease agreement. Instead, the council agreed to transfer funds for a temporary loan of $31,000 to the police budget.
Clerk-Treasurer Dennis Molina said there is $21,000 available in the riverboat/casino fund to help pay for the cars. Councilman Tony Pearson said he was opposed to the idea of purchasing three or four new cars to avoid all cars needing to be replaced at the same time.
The council agreed to place two cars up for public auction after the new cars arrive. Additional purchases will be considered next year.
The council told Richard Fidler, a surveyor representing the Montgomery Farms development, to replat five plots before it would consider approving the newest plan.
Fidler said the housing addition was approved in 1976. The area to the west in the addition originally was platted for lots 42, 43, 44, 45 and 48. It also contained two access roads that Fidler said are not needed. He asked to eliminate access roads to the north and south because there are additional access roads on the east and west. Reconfiguring the lots would allow the addition of another lot, which would mean more income for the town in terms of property taxes and utility customers.
Councilman Dave Taylor said adding a sixth lot would violate terms of the recently passed ordinance on lot size and street width. Taylor, Pearson and councilwoman Debra Wainscott said they would oppose that motion.
“I just don’t want to see us hinder progress,” Cates said. “It would mean about $3,000 a year more in property taxes plus utilities.”
The council decided not to take it to vote Thursday and instead called for a special session of the Planning Commission for 6 p.m. Dec. 1.
“We can consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation at the council meeting at 7 (p.m. that day),” Wainscott said.
Fidler said he had followed the council and Planning Commission actions during a recently approved development for an apartment complex and believed there had been an exception made.
Wainscott said he could take his request to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance of the local ordinance, but it might not be needed if the Planning Commission approves the request.
Fidler said he got an OK from the Planning Commission on Nov. 10 but said it didn’t have access to the same information presented to the town council on Nov. 17.
The council earlier considered scheduling Fidler for the Planning Commission meeting Dec. 8; however, town attorney Bill Byers said that might extend that session into the night.
The Planning Commission met Nov. 10 before a full house with residents expressing concerns about development of an apartment complex.
“There were a lot of people who didn’t get to speak at that meeting who are going to be very upset if they get turned down again,” Pearson said.
The Dec. 8 planning meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Lions Club.
In other business, the council also passed an ordinance restricting heavy traffic on Main Street. The ordinance limits trucks and heavy equipment to 26,000 pounds with exceptions for farm equipment and trucks going to the local grain elevator and local deliveries.
The first violation carries a fine of $50, with a $250 fine for further violations. Residents have 30 days to respond before the ordinance is final.