INGALLS — Issues involving residential properties, as well as approving funds to finish off a new park and pay for clerk-treasurer training, were among many topics at a recent Ingalls Town Council meeting.
Jose Rodriquez of Ingalls sought clarification on town fines and permits involving a house he has been working on for several years.
Rodriquez built a home four years ago, at 187 W. Washington St., Ingalls, but has yet to finish the outside, making it unsightly, town leaders said.
Rodriquez was given two six-month exterior improvement location permits to motivate him to finish the outside. His latest sixth-month permit expired, and he was still not finished.
Town manager Tim Millikan suggested an improvement location permit at a cost of $75 was needed to finish all the work, and that Rodriquez be charged an extra $300 for a building permit as well as fined $5 a day until the home is complete.
Once the exterior is done, Rodriquez will be issued new permits for the rest of the work, including electrical, plumbing and HVAC.
“He is doing a nice job, but (my) and the town’s position is neighboring residents shouldn’t have to live next to a construction site beyond permit lengths, which are three, six and 12 months,” Millikan said.
In another case, Ina Fowler Jolliff, owner of the property on 726 N. Jones St., is facing fines of up to $37,400 involving the cleanup of debris from demolition on her property.
Jolliff was not present at a recent council meeting, during which the issue was discussed by town officials.
Millikan informed the council a Bobcat used by people working for Jolliff damaged the road, cracking the edge of some asphalt recently laid.
Jolliff was told during a previous council meeting she had until mid-April to get the property in order. While the site has been cleared, Jolliff has yet to call town officials for an inspection.
Millikan said he planned to send a letter to Jolliff asking her to attend a future meeting to settle the issue.
In other town business:
• Millikan told the council he would like to purchase some materials, including mulch, for the revamped Jesse Ireton Memorial Park at a cost of $4,063. The council approved the funds.
• Millikan suggested the council pay for new curbing at Second Avenue and Alfonte Street at a cost of $4,950 and have Joe Hunt Concrete do the work. The council approved the funds.
• The town council discussed allowing people to rent town facilities. Millikan suggested, for now, that only the park shelters be rented out at a price to incorporate all-day rental. The council agreed to charge non-residents who use electricity $55, while the cost for local residents who use electricity will be $40. The charge to non- residents who use the shelters without electricity will be $35, while for residents that charge will be $25.
• Assistant Fire Chief Jeremy Boat reported the cab locks on the fire engine needed to be replaced. Donley Safety estimated the cost to be $905, which the council approved.
In other fire department business, the council discussed ambulance fees, with the council asking Boat to find out how much Pendleton, Fortville and Ingalls charge for ambulance service and to bring that information to the next meeting.
• Clerk-Treasurer Kip Golden asked permission to attend the annual State Board of Accounts School and Indiana League of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Conference slated for Monday, June 11 through Thursday, June 14, in South Bend. Cost to attend the conference is estimated at $760, which the council agreed to pay.
