Port Washington to clamp down on delinquent taxpayers
At the April 15 meeting of Port Washington Village Council, Village Solicitor Mark Perlaky reported on the status of tax delinquency in the village. Perlaky said property owners who owe back taxes on real estate have been served with certified notices to send payment to the village.
Perlaky said the deadline to remit delinquent real estate taxes has passed, so he will begin the process to force sheriff’s sales for multiple village properties.
Income Tax Administrator Donna Meek and Perlaky will work together on compiling a list of residents who are delinquent with their municipal income taxes. Once the list is assembled, action will be taken to cite delinquent filers, which could include court proceedings.
Animals in the village
Perlaky and council reviewed a proposed ordinance to prohibit the keeping of certain farm-type animals in the village. The new ordinance will include language allowing an exemption for one horse owner whose animal was grandfathered in when the original legislation was passed.
Three readings of the proposed ordinance will be held May 6, May 20 and June 3, allowing the public ample time to voice their opinions on the measure before passage. Until that time, the original ordinance will be in effect.
Zoning report
Zoning Inspector David Meek said a variance was granted to the owner of 108 Bremer St. to install a shed on the side/front of the property. Meek said the zoning planning commission recommends revising the zoning regulations to allow garages to be constructed apart from the home.
The current ordinance states garages must be attached to the home. During the meeting council passed an emergency ordinance allowing garages to be built apart from homes.
In other matters
Council President Joe Bourne said he received a complaint that a correction for misinformation concerning delinquent real estate tax payments was not published in The Bargain Hunter. Fiscal Officer Darissa Lute said the paper was given an incorrect address and the fault was not theirs, so no correction will be printed.
Bourne also said sidewalk work will take place at the Belden Park pavilions after baseball season ends.
Lute said the new laptop and printer purchased for her use had arrived. Council voted to donate the old laptop to the Delaware Volunteer Fire Department.
Announcements
Council member Brandi Bourne issued a reminder that the Memorial Day barbecue chicken dinner will begin at noon on May 26 at the fire station.
Mayor Tom Gardner reminded residents that all winter flower arrangements must be removed from Union Cemetery by May 1 and that Cleanup Day for the cemetery is May 10, starting at 9 a.m.
Street Supervisor Rick Swiger thanked the Little League Association for helping clean up the park, collecting nine bags and two drums of trash and debris for removal.
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.