The Westport Town Council met on August 12, 2024 at 6:30 pm.
The Council approved the July 8, 2024, meeting minutes, and the special session meeting minutes from July 26, 2024.
During the July 26, 2024 special session meeting they opened Community Crossing bids for the sidewalk and some roadwork. The bid went to All Star Paving for $554,650.25.
The council also approved payroll, payroll adjustments, and all monthly bills.
Rachel Runge, Commonwealth Engineering came to the board to let them know that Indiana Bond Bank closing is August 14, 2024. At this time the pre construction meeting is scheduled for August 15, 2024. At this time the construction for the sidewalks and road is scheduled to be completed by October or November 2025.
Bryan Gatewood, said that Westport water customers will be receiving a Lead and Copper Survey in their September water bills. This is being required by the state of Indiana. She said that if you check unknown or do not return the survey completed a town employee may come knocking on your door to find out what types of pipes you have in your home. It was reiterated that this is for Westport water customers.
Bryan spoke about outdoor burning guidelines and said that you can only burn tree limbs, leaves, grass, and brush. This is to be completed during daylight hours only. Bryan added that the town is not against you staying warm or roasting your marshmallows after dark but that large fires should be during the day.
Bryan notified the public that the town is currently receiving 2 appraisals for the property located at 209 E. Mulberry Street. Once the second appraisal is received the town will move forward with selling it. The sale will be completed via sealed bid. With a projected opening date to be the next Town Council meeting.
The town council approved the first reading of an ordinance about American Rescue funds for: Community Building flooring $30,000, Side Walks $35,140, 5 fire hydrants $18,003, Installation of 3 fire hydrants $6,000 each. The second reading will be during the September council meeting.
The town council approved an ordinance for a reduction of appropriated funds for local roads & street funds of $5,000.
The town council brought up Westport zoning expectations. They asked that if you are doing construction or adding on within the town of Westport that you reach out to them and then they will provide a letter of support and then you can go to the Area Plan Director at the county.
Bryan and Delores began to discuss the animal nuisance and animal ordinance. Delores stated that she has been told that the Decatur County Animal Control will no longer come to Westport on a dog issue due to Westport being an incorporated town. She said that she went to the Greensburg & Decatur County Animal Shelter and spoke with Minde Myers and filled out a form to go and speak at the Animal Control meeting on 8.13.24. She said that she was told that 90% of the dog issues in Decatur County are from Westport. Bryan said that the Westport Police Department used to have a Kennel. He added that he had spoken with Minde Myers and was told as long as they could get the animal contained or on a leash that Decatur County Animal Control would come out and pick the dog up. He reminded the crowd that at the end of the year we are going to see 2 new Commissioners and with leadership changes we could see changes. He added that he plans to work with everyone to come up with a resolution that works for everyone.
The council approved a water bill adjustment for Paco’s of $63.39.
Mike Bartlett, Westport Christian Church received approval to shut down the alley by their white building off of Mulberry street while their white barn is being torn down.
A representative of Saylor Real Estate came to the board to get approval for rezoning requests before she goes to the county for approval. The one approval is for the property located at 800 N State Road 3 Westport Indiana which is being requested to change to a zoning of B2 so that they can build and run a self-storage facility.
Mr. Snyder, who is a property owner in town, came to the podium and asked why he was being fined in July for work that he had already paid to have cleaned up on April 2nd. He stated that he received a notice of possible fines due to an unkept property. The board asked about a trailer with scrap and a washer on it as of today. He came forward with a paid invoice for the work he had completed. He was told that the council would look into this.
The meeting was adjourned