Board of Works approves agreement with Etika for public safety building remodel; code enforcement sets cleanup deadlines

The Tipton Board of Works and Safety reported it approved an agreement with Etika to begin remodeling the public safety building, with work and related activity expected to be underway and a target return around September, according to the meeting report.

City code enforcement hearings produced deadlines and potential fines for two properties. The council reported that 822 Mill Street was given 45 days to remove debris, address a nonworking vehicle in the right of way and other issues; if the property is not cleaned up within 45 days the city approved a fine of $300 per day up to a $5,000 maximum. The council also gave the owner of 217 Fourth Street two weeks to address multiple code violations including debris and an open window.

Council members noted the 217 Fourth Street property had been on the city's radar for over a year; the two-week deadline will bring the matter back to a future hearing to check compliance.

Separately, the council learned that the West Street waterline project remains on schedule after a 30‑day timeline given two weeks prior; downtown maintenance and recycling work also continues.

During public comment, a resident asked whether the new public safety building contains a baby surrender box. City staff responded that the current building specifications do not include a surrender box but that a local donor has expressed possible interest and staff is pursuing options to add the feature if feasible during construction.