Leesburg Street Commissioner Craig Charlton

LEESBURG —  Starting this month, Leesburg residents who have vehicles in violation of Ordinance 90.02 will be issued a fine of $10 per day, per vehicle, beginning 15 days after an infraction notice has been issued. The decision to implement the fines was made following an update on ordinance violations, provided by Leesburg Street Commissioner Craig Charlton at the town council meeting held Monday, Oct. 8. Forty-five days after fines begin accruing, the town has the authority to have the vehicles towed.

According to Charlton, on Oct. 3, ordinance infraction notification letters regarding discarded or wrecked vehicles were sent to four residents. 

“The ordinance says if nothing is done within 15 consecutive days the penalties can start,” said Charlton.

“Whatever the ordinance says is what we will do,” said Leesburg Town Council President Tom Moore. “Everyone in this room knows we have been more than accommodating.”

“These people have all received multiple notifications,” Council Vice-President Doug Jones agreed. “This has been ongoing. These are the same ones we’ve been dealing with month after month after month for the last year.”

“I do understand that many people are hard-pressed for money, but at the same time we also have ordinances that need to be followed,” said Leesburg Council Member Christina Archer. “This has gone on for a very,  very long time. I believe there are places that, if you have a non-running car, you can get rid of it without that much trouble.”

Charlton advised that the penalty rate is no less than $10 and no greater than $300 per day. Council members agreed to the amount of $10.

“For clarity, that is $10 per day, per vehicle,” said Charlton.  

“They have 45 days from the beginning of the fines before we can remove the vehicle,” Jones added. “Starting on Oct. 20 the people on this list will be assessed a $10 per vehicle, per day fine until such time that we have legal means to tow the vehicles, which is 45 days.”

A motion was made and seconded to approve implementation of the fines in this amount.

Jesus Velaquez from El Paso Mexican Grill, located at 103 North, IN-15, Leesburg, requested a reduction in the sewer rate due to the restaurant currently being closed.

“The place has been closed for a couple of months,” said Velaquez.

Council members gave approval for the sewer bill to be temporarily reduced, effective Oct. 8, until such a time that the restaurant is reopened. 

Moore stated he has contacted the Indiana Department of Transportation and extended an invitation for someone from the INDOT traffic control division to attend the town council meeting next month in order to discuss traffic issues on SR 15 and how it affects the citizens and businesses in Leesburg.

“It’s considerably more congested now than the last time they did a study,” said Jones.

Public Information:

• No parking on any streets between 3-5 a.m.
• No burning is permitted.
• Sidewalks are to be kept clear to provide safe passage.
• Sidewalks and trees are the property and responsibility of the property owner.
• Do not mow grass clippings into the streets.
• Fall leaf pickup has started. Leaves are to be at curbside for pick-up.
• Yard waste is to be bagged and placed in the trash tote provided by the town of Leesburg.

Other News:

• Trick or Treat hours in Leesburg will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
• The 2018 Candelaria will be from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at the old fire station. 
• The 2019 budget was approved.
• The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13.

El Paso Mexican Grill, located at 103 North, IN-15, Leesburg, is currently closed.