Napoleon board considers nuisance ordinance
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

There will be a nuisance ordinance in Napoleon. Town Attorney Larry Eaton presented the board with a copy of a nuisance ordinance that will be formally adopted after the board has had a chance to study it.

The main reason the board wanted the ordinance was to have leverage against unkempt properties so the town can have the right to go on the property and keep it mowed. Then a bill will be sent to the property owner. If the bill is not paid, then it will be added to the person's property taxes.

The ordinance is much more comprehensive than just mowing however. A nuisance could be anything from grass or weeds 12-inches high to the accumulation of trash to a building that is unfit for human habitation. Also, unnecessary noises, obnoxious odors, and pollution are listed as nuisances.

Anyone with a nuisance complaint should lodge it with the town board. If a nuisance is found to exist, an authorized agent will give the property owner five days notice to correct the problem. If the nuisance is not abated, then fines will be accessed. The ordinance is expected to be adopted at the August town board meeting.

The town is still trying to gather Income Statements. They need 15 more returned in order to get the grant for the storm water study. The town board members are contacting individually those persons who have not completed the survey.

Nancy Redelman from the Solid Rock Baptist Church asked to use the town square for a Classic Car Show the church is holding on September 11. The town gave permission to use their portion of the property.

The board voted to pay Holman Excavating the $500 retainage for the lift station project as it is complete. The board approved giving 12 percent of their EDIT tax money to the Ripley County Economic Development Group for 2005.

Board members Tim Brancamp and Bill Vankirk were present for the meeting. Town Attorney Larry Eaton and Clerk-Treasurer Karen Rohlfing were present to advise the board. The next meeting will be held on August 11, at 7:00 p.m. at the Napoleon Senior Center.