Council discusses law enforcement, traffic control

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PORT JEFFERSON — Law enforcement and traffic control occupied Port Jefferson Village Council at its May meeting.

Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart informed council about patrols in the village, according to the meeting minutes. He said deputies found out who had driven on the playground. Investigators talked to the driver and decided to have him do some work around the village as his punishment. Together they will decide how many hours to have him work. Village Clerk Judy Fair reminded officials that, because of the village’s insurance regulations, the person could not use any equipment if he is not at least 18 years old.

Lenhart told of a recent auto accident, which prompted a discussion about traffic lights. The village does not have money for replacement lights. Council discussed the possibility of getting grant money or buying no-longer-needed lights from another village. Councilwoman Patti Fogt has been checking the Internet for traffic lights that might be advertised there. Fair said council would need to approve the price. Council agreed on a price of about $600. Councilwoman Loretta Cook said she would like to donate some money for the purchase. Fogt said she would continue to look for low-price or free lights.

Mayor Dave Clem read a letter from the Community Action Center about the village joining the agency’s home energy program. The mayor was to present a resolution at the next meeting.

Clem also said Sidney, Fort Loramie, Russia and some other villages are considering an energy-aggregation program that would save consumers money on electric service.

Ed Patterson is working on cleaning the canal bank. He will talk to the residents about moving anything they have on the bank so he can cut weeds and grass.

Council discussed the sidewalk in front on 429 Main St. The village needs to fix it and put the cost on the taxes of the property owner. Clem said he would send another certified letter to the owner. The village will put the work out for bid.

Council discussed the sidewalk in front of another property. The construction was poorly done. Council did not take any action regarding asking the owner to have the work redone.

Clem read an ordinance to abolish the clerk-treasurer position and create the position of fiscal officer. The fiscal officer will be appointed by the mayor with approval by council. Council adopted the ordinance. The ordinance will go into effect in January 2016. In this year’s elections, citizens will vote for mayor and two council members; the clerk-treasurer post will not be on the ballot.

Councilman John Burris presented stop signs he made for the village to use when power is out. Council thanked him.

A resident at the end of Spring and Canal streets asked council to cut down the trees at his property. The resident said the trees are on village property and are in poor condition. Clem told him the village does not do this unless the trees are a hazard. The resident is to take care of them. Clem said he would have the Street Committee look at the trees. Fair said the resident had been to council twice before about the same problem and was told that he needed to take care of the problem himself.

Council discussed the problem of dogs running loose. Clem read the ordinance that covers this. It states that no dog is to be off a leash in the village. Violations should be reported to the Sheriff’s Office.

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