Resident raises trash-can and mosquito complaints; town explains enforcement process

Sellersburg — At the July 14 Sellersburg Town Council meeting resident Dan Coomer used the public-comment period to ask the town to enforce local trash-can and nuisance rules and to report widespread mosquito problems linked to standing water.

Cooper identified himself for the record as Dan Coomer of 616 East Shuttick Street and told council members he has seen trash cans left beside sidewalks rather than behind homes as the ordinance requires, lids left off cans, and persistent backyard trash that has collected standing water and produced mosquitoes. Coomer said he had reported issues through the town’s reporting app but had not seen consistent enforcement and asked whether the town could reword the ordinance or increase enforcement activity.

Town staff and council members explained the town’s enforcement process. Staff noted the town can observe potential violations from the public right-of-way, will investigate complaints, and issues enforcement letters when the investigation shows an actionable violation. The town advised residents to also report mosquito or standing-water concerns to the county health department where appropriate. A council member said the town has issued fines for violations in prior cases and that photos submitted by residents can assist enforcement staff in identifying properties for inspection.

The council did not adopt any new enforcement measures at the meeting; staff said the existing complaint and inspection process would continue and encouraged residents to submit location information and photographs when filing reports so staff can investigate and, where warranted, issue enforcement letters.