MENTONE — The Town Council approved the 2020 salary ordinance Wednesday night.

The salary ordinance will see utilities’ employee Josh Shepherd’s pay rise to $50,000 and the salary of fellow town utilities employee Corbin Hudson rise to $40,000.

The ordinance also allows Clerk-Treasurer Barb Ross to receive her current pay of $15 an hour while training incoming Clerk-Treasurer Nikki Norris on the job’s duties after the first of the year. The duration of Norris’ training has yet to be determined. 

In other matters, Town Attorney Andrew Grossnickle noted that the property owner of 412 W. Main St. and 408 W. Monroe St., was sent follow-up letters as a result of the property owner’s failure to maintain the trees and debris on the properties.

“The town went ahead and [took care of the trees and debris] and sent [the property owner] an invoice for $240,” Grossnickle said. This puts the owner on notice to promptly pay the invoice to the clerk-treasurer. Failure to do so may cause the town to place a lean on the properties.

Town Marshal Jim Eads submitted a request to begin seeking bids on a new squad vehicle for police.

Gross said, “Are you thinking truck again or a car?”

Eads said they are looking for another truck similar to the Dodge currently in service.

Also in the meeting:

• Shepherd thanked Ken Snyder for watering the new Main St. garden park area.  “He keeps up with watering about every day, saves us a lot of time,” said Shepherd.
• Shepherd announced that the town is scheduled to flush the fire hydrants on Monday, Oct. 7. Additionally, town employees will be getting the leaf collection equipment out in the next week or two in advance of the cooling weather and falling leaves.
• Council Member Tim Croy offered a correction for the upcoming town trick or treat hours on Oct 31.  “The time is 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m,” Croy said. Costume judging will be at the Mentone Elementary following at 7:30 p.m.