Claypool Town Marshal Dalis Owens and Claypool Council Member Larry Neher.

CLAYPOOL — Monday, July 17, at the Claypool town council meeting, Penelope Wagley, 102 E. Harrison St., Claypool, was back to discuss the “trash” at the back of her property. The “trash” sits on city property and has been an ongoing issue for the last few months.

Wagley asked each council member to look at some photos she took of the spray painting on the “trash” behind her property. Council President Niki Miller responded, “First of all, I’d like to clarify – it’s not trash. They are items of use for the town, whether you agree with that or not.” After showing council members the photos, Wagley then asked each council member individually if they felt that this was an adequate solution to the issue.

Council members Larry Neher and Liz Heiman both agreed that, “It’s a start.” Miller stated, “I’m actually satisfied with it at the moment because we were told we need to put “keep out” signs up.”

When Wagley disagreed that the spray painting was a sign, Miller responded there was concern that if they placed actual signs in the area, someone could remove the signs.

“Our other option was to put something permanent there,” Miller said.

Wagley then asked, “You realize how bad that looks, right?” to which Miller answered, “We’re doing what we need to do to get this taken care of.”

Wagley then pointed out, “This is month four.” Miller responded by saying, “I’m not going to guarantee you that we’ll have an answer for you at next month’s meeting. There’s only so much we can do.”

Regarding a complaint about a water bill that was addressed at the June meeting, Miller said she has done some research regarding average water usage and water costs. Miller advised there had been some complaints from residents who feel the water bills in Claypool are higher than water bills in other towns. After clarifying that the Claypool water bill is not only for water but also includes wastewater and trash, Miller advised that any resident who does not understand their water bill or how the water is billed should contact Claypool Clerk-Treasurer Pat Warner at the clerk’s office so the procedure and fees can be explained.

“Please feel free to get online and look at the rates in other towns – because I did, and we are not that high,” said Miller.

Miller also informed those in attendance that she had examined phone records which verified that Warner had, in fact, attempted to contact Claypool resident Amy Aguilar. At the June town council meeting, Aguilar had accused Warner of lying when Warner said she had tried phoning her twice regarding water bill issues.

Scott Shireman, 100 N. Rebecca St., Claypool, is requesting a letter from council members giving permission for Shireman to make some improvements to a ditch that runs along CR 700. Shireman would like to make it deeper and add stones to it. Council members agreed they would not have an issue with granting this request, providing there is no opposition from Claypool Street Superintendent Gene Warner or from the county. It was agreed that this issue would be addressed again at the August meeting.

Council members discussed mowing of abandoned/vacant/unkept properties in town. Currently, the town ordinance states that there is to be a fine of $100 for the first hour and $1 per minute thereafter each time the town has to mow these properties. Council President Niki Miller stated, “I’m of the opinion that this needs to be raised.”  Council members will look into this further to see what options they have.

Other news:

• The next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, August 21.
• There is a swimming pool procedure and leak adjustment procedure. If anyone needs information about these procedures, they need to contact the clerk’s office.
• Advanced Disposal, Claypool, contacted Claypool Clerk-Treasurer Pat Warner to request that if any Claypool residents have trash issues that they please contact the clerk via telephone rather than calling Advanced Disposal directly.