Outstanding sewer bills were discussed at the Holton Town Council meeting held on Thursday, October 9. According to clerk-treasurer Misty McNeelan, there is a balance of approximately $37,987 in unpaid bills.

McNeelan read an ordinance stating if a sewage line is connected to a home, the owners or the tenants are responsible for the bill. This means, according to McNeelan, even if the home is condemned and not torn down, or there is no one living in the home, and the sewage is still connected to the home, a bill will be generated.

Permission to place liens on the outstanding sewer bills was requested by McNeelan. She told the board that many homeowners will discover there is a lien on the property when they go to pay their property taxes, and will have the opportunity to pay the lien within a reasonable amount of time.

According to McNeelan, if the lien is not paid within three cycles of the property taxes, it is the same as not paying the taxes, and the property will go up on sheriff’s sale.

Attorney John Ertel advised the board that the liens are a wise idea, stating that if sewage is hooked up, then the owners need to pay a bill. The board unanimously approved the request to place liens on the outstanding sewer bills.

The board unanimously approved the motion to place temporary speed bumps on South Marion Street. In previous meetings, residents reported a problem with speeding on the street, requesting the speed bumps in order to help to protect their children.

According to board member Ryan Lauber, no ordinance is needed, but warning signs will be necessary. It was noted that the bumps will be removed during bad weather for snow removal.

The cost of one speed bump is approximately $117, and a sign will be about $20. “We’ll see how well these work out, and the board might get some more,” said board president Paul Hughes.

South Ripley Elementary art teacher Thom Maltbie was approached by Lauber regarding the request of Wilbur Myers at last month’s board meeting to have a mural painted on the new shelter house. Lauber reported that Maltbie agreed to paint the mural, requesting that South Ripley students living in the town of Holton be given permission to assist.

Lauber told the board that Maltbie believes the students’ participation would cut down on vandalism and give them a sense of ownership. The board unanimously approved the recommendation.

Trick or Treat night for Holton will be held on Friday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m., with the Halloween parade to be held immediately after. Holton town marshal requests that parents consider the children’s safety and not allow them to ride in the back of trucks.

In other business:

• Misty McNeelan was sworn in as clerk-treasurer, replacing former clerk Krista Bartosz.

• Leaf pick-up will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning the week of October 21.

• The park will close for winter on Monday, October 27.

• The board unanimously approved an inspection of fire extinguishers in the town hall and community center.

• The board unanimously approved to pay the balance of the third payment to the contractor building the new shelter house. The project went over the bid and the expenses will be considered, with payment of some or all of the expenses paid at a later date.

All board members were in attendance, with clerk-treasurer Misty McNeelan to take the minutes and attorney John Ertel to advise. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 13 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Holton Community Center.