Board discusses alley-demolition coordination, new code-enforcement SOP, street projects and yard-waste plan

The board spent a substantial portion of its April 13 meeting on infrastructure, planning and solid-waste issues, including an alley-closure request tied to a demolition permit, new code-enforcement procedures, ongoing street projects and a trial for yard-waste deliveries.

Staff reported they are coordinating an alley-closure request for property associated with Brad Whitman with a separately submitted demolition permit for a small structure near or on the alley’s north side. The goal is to align the two actions so crews can shut the alley once for demolition and any necessary closure to preserve public safety; staff said more information will be available at an April 27 follow-up meeting.

Tim, from the planning enforcement division, described new internal forms and processes to match a freshly created enforcement function. He said his team has issued five demolition orders since the last meeting (two completed and awaiting cap inspections), created a new stop-work order form tied to ordinance repercussions, established a new SOP for code enforcement and built an inspection-tracking sheet. Tim reported 35 permits approved so far this year, totaling $2,835, and said most approvals are remodels rather than fencing or demolition work.

Dylan, reporting for municipal services, gave multiple operational updates: March trash totaled about 151.7 tons at a cost of $8,862.31; recycling was 20.93 tons at $732.58; and six rolloff dumpsters were used for bulky pickups. He briefed the board on near-complete work on West Street, planned paving for East Jackson, Independence and South Street, full-depth patching for Wilson Street, and a salt-storage barn with concrete pad ready and construction slated to begin in May.

Staff also explained the city signed a contract with Caldwell to supply dumpsters at the solid-waste facility to haul yard waste; the city will fund the rented dumpster and may fence the site, but the property is leased to the solid-waste board and could restrict use. As a pilot, staff will deliver yard-waste material to residents on a first-come, first-served basis and will publish sign-up information via the city’s Facebook page. Board members expressed concern about contractors dumping large amounts of material, enforcement practicality and whether to charge additional fees for contractor loads; staff said the city currently plans to continue city residential pickup and will try to manage contractor misuse with signage and operational controls.

On winter materials, staff said the city will participate in INDOT’s treated-salt program and plans to store about 60 tons of treated salt at the street department to improve performance during very cold weather; pricing will come from INDOT’s bids.

Board members did not vote on these operational items but directed staff to return with additional details and to continue coordinating with other departments and the solid-waste board.