The Winston Board of Trustees discussed the importance of getting a handle on delinquencies in order to avoid another sewer rate increase during their meeting July 5.
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Warning letters will be sent to all those who are more than 60 days delinquent in paying their bill. A 15-day notice of disconnect will be posted on the doors of those who are more than 90 days delinquent. Five more shutoff valves will be ordered.
The shutoff that was ordered at the board’s last meeting has been carried out. The $200 bounced check has been paid, and the money will be sent from the prosecutor’s office. However, money is still owing on that utility account and needs to be paid before it can be reconnected.
Janna Barton, the ordinance enforcement and animal control officer, outlined contacts with some dog owners whose dogs don’t have tags or have been creating a nuisance in the neighborhood.
She surveyed the town, as requested, to identify inoperable or unlicensed vehicles on the streets and rights-of-way.
The clerk indicated that two of those vehicles have now been removed, and some of those on the list are being taken care of in the process of business exemption reviews. She also noted that a couple of property owners have moved some of their vehicles onto neighboring vacant property without permission from the owners.
The board indicated that 10-day warning letters should be sent this week to those on the list, and indicated that the inoperable truck that has been sitting on the sewer easement (previously Pine Street) for years should also be included.
The clerk submitted a map showing the Winston city limits, streets, alleys and some easements from the original formation of Winston. It identifies current streets and alleys, and any known changes since the original was marked. The map is accompanied by notes on the width of the street and alley easements. Numerous source maps were used and are listed. The board approved the map as Winston’s official map to guide future actions.
Utilities clerk reported that a CD change will be completed this week, allowing the loan to be paid back to the General Fund.
Melvin McFee gave the sewer maintenance report. He said that he had to pull both pumps from the #2 pump pump station for repair. That station is functioning okay for now with one pump, but the second pump will have to be back in place before school starts.
Jerry Lusk gave the street maintenance report. He said that some scarifying has been done and rock is needed for some spots. Rock will be hauled as needed. The clerk indicated there is money in the budget for partial rocking.
Bill Michael gave the park maintenance report. He said the leaky water faucet and the faulty pipes had been removed. The concrete and old water fountain pipes will be taken out.
Jerry Lusk noted that the emergency siren is designed as an outdoor warning system. It generally won’t be heard from inside a building with the windows closed, especially if there is background noise. People are encouraged to have a weather radio for indoor alerts.
The board reviewed applications and vehicle-related business exemptions.
The Sewer Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 1.
The board carried a motion to approve an amendment to clarify provisions relating to the qualifications, duties and compensation of employees and service providers for the Village of Winston.
An ordinance was approved requiring connection to public water and sewer; requiring trash collection by a village designated trash collector; authorizing fees; declaring owners and occupants jointly liable for payment for utilities; setting forth billing and delinquency procedures; and related matters.
An ordinance was approved declaring the nonpayment of financial obligations to the Village of Winston as an ordinance violation, establishing procedures to enforce the collection of such financial obligations, and related matters.
Am amendment was approved to update language; reduce copying charges; add utility fees and court-related payments; renaming the ordinance to schedule of fees, fines, costs and recurring payments; and related matters.
A summary of bills proposed by the Small Towns Committee was discussed. The board agreed to draft as is factory built homes and miscellaneous offenses.
The ACO/OEO contract was amended to more accurately reflect the work being done in ordinance enforcement.
Check reports and bills for payment were approved.
The semi-annual financial report was approved for posting.
Board members present: Arvella Eaton, Jerry Lusk, Cindy Ball, Bill Michael. Randy Turner was excused. Others present: Melvin McFee, Lucille Lusk, Angie Fuller.