Port Washington Council bans farm animals in village
At the June 17 meeting of Port Washington Village Council, an ordinance was passed that will effectively ban many farm-type animals from inside the village limits. The sole exception to the ban is a horse that was grandfathered in years ago.
The new ordinance is actually an amendment to correct the omission of language allowing the horse from the original legislation passed in 2010.
The issue of whether or not to allow farm animals within the village limits was raised earlier this year when Mayor Tom Gardner received multiple complaints about residents keeping chickens in the village.
While the ordinance allows exceptions for small 4-H project animals on a case-by-case basis, it says “no person shall keep a pig, cow, horse, goat, sheep, fowl, poultry, three or more dogs at least 3 months of age, or any other agricultural or exotic animal within the Village of Port Washington, Ohio.”
Reports to council
Street Supervisor Rick Swiger said he has finished assembling the lights to be used at the square in the event of a power outage. He said batteries and additional supplies will be needed for the lights and for street barricade signs. Council approved the purchase.
Swiger also reported the street light at the square on state Route 36 is hanging a little too low. He will contact the Ohio Department of Transportation to have the light raised.
Council member Nate Penrod asked that a number of trees be trimmed back from alleys and streets. Swiger said he will take care of the matter.
Income Tax Administrator Donna Meek said there are three village residents who will be taken to court for failing to pay village income taxes. According to Meek, approximately $11,000 is owed to the village in delinquent taxes. Residents not in compliance were sent letters and given the opportunity to avoid being taken to court by paying the back taxes.
Administrative Assistant DJ Meek said he and Gardner conducted a run-through for the sidewalk project that will be completed in spring 2026. A number of trees will need to be removed on Main Street for the project, but Meek said all residents who will be affected were contacted. Gardner has signed off on the $14,000 payment to Thrasher Engineering for design fees.
Gardner informed council the cemetery board has agreed to purchase a new mower for the cemetery at no cost to the village.
Council member John Little said a recently installed car port at a residence is located too near the street and asked for zoning regulations be enforced. The matter was tabled in order to review zoning regulations.
Council President Joe Bourne said a small hole has appeared in the back of the historical society building after the recent paving. Bourne said this has happened in the past, and the village will take care of it.
Public comments
Village resident Pat Herbert reported what she sees as persistent mowing violations and trash issues. She also said her neighbor is raising bees, and the hives, which are close to her property, are causing problems.
Gardner said the village does not have any type of regulations for bee hives and that council and the police department have been working on getting residents to clean up properties, keep grass mowed and get rid of junk vehicles.
Police get raises
Council voted to increase police department wages, effective June 1, as recommended by council member Brandie Bourne. The hourly wage for the police chief will increase from $25-$30, and patrolman wages will go from $21-$28 per hour.
Council also approved an expenditure of $20 for patrolman Tom Casimir to attend a CPR class.
A resolution was passed on an emergency basis approving the payment of $43,100 to Newton Asphalt for recent paving work.
Port Washington Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.