Trash Pick-Up, Parking Violations and Railroad Tracks Discussed At Leesburg Town Council Meeting
LEESBURG — Three Leesburg residents requested permission from the town council to combine two lots and vacate an alley at the Leesburg Town Council meeting held Monday, June 11. Larry Rose, Michael Van Osdol and Bill Poe recently purchased the property at 109 E. Van Buren Street next to their house.
The men were informed that the first step would be to file a written petition. Once they obtain approval from the town, they will then be required to take this to the county to continue with the process.
“The goal is to combine the properties to have one tax bill and to make it easier down the road for resale,” said Poe.
“We have to check with the fire department to make sure they’re okay with this, the utilities – it takes a couple of months to get all this done,” Leesburg Town Council President Tom Moore explained. “There’s a process to go through.”
According to Poe, the alley will still be accessible.
“I will say that it’s virtually impossible to make the turn onto that alley so I would support it from that perspective, as it’s really kind of a dead end almost,” said Leesburg Street Commissioner Craig Charlton.
“I guess what you’re hearing tonight, Gentlemen, is to go ahead and draft your petition because there’s no one sitting here who has any major objections to you doing that,” said Moore.
Renewal of the town garbage contract was on the agenda. Advanced Disposal of Claypool currently provides trash pick up for the town. Council members discussed whether to take bids.
“They’ve done a good job,” said Council Vice-President Doug Jones.
Moore agreed that the company is easy to work with and that there have been no major issues. Council Member Christina Archer stated that, as a homeowner, she has been very pleased with the services the company offers.
“They have the totes and everything in place already,” Charlton pointed out.
“Not to mention the emotional trauma of switching trash pick up days,” joked Moore.
“My initial inclination is always to get bids,” said Jones, “But I agree – we’ve had minimal problems and when we have had problems they have been very easy to work with.” Ultimately, the council agreed to renew a three year contract with Advanced Disposal.
Charlton said parking issues continue to be addressed by issuing violation tickets. Violations have been documented. Several fines have not been paid as of this time.
Regarding the condition of the railroad crossings in town, Charlton said he has been informed that the railroad company is going to lengthen the runout areas on the east side of the tracks. “Pretty much anything from Claypool to Atwood are in the same shape. Once they have the new rails in they will come in and take the old rails up, and once the new rails are put in they’ll come back and clean up the mess,” said Charlton.
“Well, we’ve waited this long,” Moore commented.
Any damage that has occurred when crossing the tracks is a railroad issue, according to Charlton. Residents can call the number posted at the crossings to report damage that has occurred to vehicles.
A sidewalk enhancement program is offered in Leesburg. Charlton stated he would like residents to be aware that sidewalks are the responsibility of the homeowner and if any accidents occur, the homeowner is liable. For information about the program, contact Charlton or Leesburg Clerk-Treasurer Mike Searfoss.
Construction work for the addition to the Leesburg Town Hall building will be going to a public bid. Moore explained that the cost of the addition exceeds the monetary threshold of $150,000, requiring the necessity for a public bid process.
Other News:
- Trash service on Friday, June 22, will start earlier than normal due to traffic in town for the town garage sale. Residents are asked to place trash totes out Thursday evening or early Friday morning.
- The town garage sale day will be Saturday, June 23.
- Town clean-up day will be Saturday, June 30.
- No parking on any street between 3-5 a.m.
- No burning at any time.
- A sewage pod cover at 311 Van Buren St. is at a low point in the driveway and is taking in surface water. Charlton suggested adding a 12 inch ring to correct this issue. This was approved.
- Video work in the storm water drain in the east-west alley between Prairie and Van Buren streets is scheduled to be performed June 15, with R & R Visual, Rochester, doing the work.
- Board members set the 2019 budget workshop date as 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17.
- The next regular meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 9.