Animals, Unsafe Houses On Witt Agenda
by Nancy Richardson
Witt City Council held its regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 28, with one alderman, Chad Ruppert, absent.
Following approval of September minutes, the treasurer's report and bills, the council addressed an ongoing issue of Witt resident Don White housing two miniature horses and one goat in his garage.
Although the animals are cared for and the facility kept clean, keeping animals of this sort is not allowed within city limits. Police Officer Eric Hollo issued one ticket to White in September, but as White's employment takes him out of the area, he has been unable to issue another ticket.
The council agreed Hollo should contact Attorney Mike Glenn and have a court date set as White has ignored both the ticket and verbal warnings from the officer.
Chuck Kessler was present to speak to the council about the letter he received regarding his delinquent property at 219 Stuart. Kessler apologized to those present about the state of the structure and reported he apologized to the neighbor, as well.
Kessler said the dumpster had been removed, and he requested additional time to finish taking care of the property. The council agreed as long as Kessler begins work on the building soon and doesn't let it go for an extended period.
Aldermen Mike Lowe and Randal Lowe complained about several properties in town with weeds growing chest high. Mayor Lenny Homa will direct the city workers to mow the areas and the owners will be charged.
In other business, Homa reported the warning siren is all hooked up and ready to go. Testing will take place Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 10 a.m. and will continue on the first Tuesday of each month.
According to 911 Coordinator Greg Nimmo, when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for the Witt area, 911 will activate the siren. It will only be used for storms, not fires, although the fire department will be able to activate it after the operating codes are programmed.
Witt resident Evelyn Degg questioned if the city would be removing tree stumps where several trees were dropped in front of her property. The council noted the original agreement was to pay to have the trees removed, not the stumps. In cases such as these, homeowners are responsible for stump removal.
Only one bid was received for the 1998 Ford Crown Victoria police car. It was entered by Randy Hollo in the amount of $500. The council voted to approve the bid.
Lynn Fugate of Montgomery County Senior Citizens requested assistance with the Senior Citizens' Christmas party, which will be held Dec. 13. Mike Lowe motioned to donate $100 with a second by Randal Lowe. The council approved the motion.
They also will donate candy for the Witt School Halloween parade planned for 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Clerk Nancy Hughes will be present to pass candy out to the masked visitors.
Alderman Mike Denby motioned to approve tax levy ordinance #08-585 for 1.0492 percent. The motion was seconded by Randal Lowe and unanimously approved by the council.
Homa noted the August municipal utility tax amounted to $2,992.54. He also presented a request from Jerry West, Sr., to block off a portion of the south side of Broadway Street on Thursday, Nov. 6, during an auction for First Home Furnishings. The council agreed and asked Clerk Hughes to notify Security National Bank as some of the employees park in that area.
Maurice Stauder encouraged the council to change the language of the Irving water contract before it is signed. He has spoken with Irving Village Clerk Marilyn Taylor to advise her of the changes.
Officer Hollo gave the October police report. He wrote eight speeding citations, had four warrant arrests and one domestic situation. He has also been working with DCFS on two cases in Witt.
No fire report was available, and the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
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