Council recognizes resident and athlete David Adams
Adams, a student at Dartmouth College, set a new school record of 5.2 meters in pole vaulting.
Mayor Tom Gardner and Port Washington Council acknowledged village resident David Adams at the March 4 meeting of village council. Adams, a student at Dartmouth College, set a new school record of 5.2 meters in pole vaulting.
Gardner said Adams is a Native American athlete who has made significant contributions to the sport of pole vaulting, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
In his report Gardner said he received an estimate of $45,117 from American Drilling and for the drilling and installation of a fire well in the park area. The mayor’s assistant DJ Meek will apply for grant funding for the project.
Reports to council
Village Solicitor Mark Perlaky updated council on the process for addressing property owners who are delinquent on real estate taxes. Council had approved taking steps against any property owner who is more than $2,500 delinquent. Perlaky said residents must be at least 18 months in arrears, which all properties in question are.
Perlaky has mailed notifications to those property owners advising them the village will proceed with the county foreclosure and sale process unless they pay back taxes within 60 days. Perlaky said the property owner at 112 Arch St. refused to receive the notification, but the law recognizes the attempt as served even if the property owner refuses the mailing.
In another matter Perlaky recommended the village’s ordinance regarding junk vehicles be changed to make noncompliance a minor misdemeanor with elevated fines for repeated violations. Council agreed and asked Perlaky to write a revised ordinance for council to approve.
Police Chief Rocky Dusenberry distributed a list of seven properties where cleanup and junk vehicles are an issue in the village. He said four of the property owners are attempting to clean up.
Tax Administrator Donna Meek said she continues to have issues with the office printer, and it is believed to be either a wiring or equipment problem. Council voted to have the printer serviced as needed.
Zoning Inspector DJ Meek reported issuing a permit for a shed and deck at 205 Arch St. He said a resident on the corner of Bremer and Main streets requested a permit to place a shed in the front of their property. Meek said he told the resident sheds are not permitted on the front of the property, and the only option was to request a variance to be submitted for approval.
Council member Nate Penrod asked the village to consider widening Bremer Street as the bend is very tight and a couple of mailboxes currently hang over the roadway. The street committee will meet and consider the request.
Council voted to replace the street department garage doors with insulated doors on the recommendation of Street Supervisor Rick Swiger.
Public comments
Council approved a request by Ira Wentworth, superintendent of Indian Valley Schools, to install signage at the corporation limits to recognize the district’s top athletes. Wentworth will order signage, and the village will take care of installation.
Tony Martin asked the village to vacate an unnamed alley between his Tony Mart tire shop and his gas station and store so he can expand the store. Council agreed to prepare a resolution vacating the alley for approval at the next regular meeting.
Martin also asked for approval of a lot split on the store property and tire shop. Council said the lot split will be approved once the property survey is complete.
Council member Brandie Bourne presented two quotes for new plumbing in the fire station. After reviewing the quotes, council approved a cost of $6,400 from Henry’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
Council also approved payment of $7,941 to Midwest Public Safety for the emergency purchase of a police camera system.
Announcements
Spring cleanup dates are April 4-6. Refuse containers will be located in the lot behind the former Old Ugly Mug, 105 W. Main St., rear. No tires or hazardous waste will be accepted.