By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

CLAYPOOL — Three town ordinances were passed during a Claypool Council meeting on Tuesday, March 15.

The first approved ordinance regarded the establishment of a cumulative capital development fund for Claypool. A public hearing was held on the fund prior to its approval. The estimated gross tax impact fund is over a three-year period, with 0.0167% for 2023, 0.0333% for 2024, and 0.05% for 2025.

Council President Benny Stage Jr. said the fund can be used for anything pertaining to town business. He estimated the town would receive about $6,000 a year from the fund. Council Member Gene Warner said every town around Claypool has a CCD fund.

An ordinance on residential homes within town limits was also approved by council. The ordinance details the physical specifications each house must meet. Mobile homes are not allowed on any lot except as permitted.

Stage said the ordinance was established since the council has received many questions in the past about what types of residences are allowed within the town.

The final ordinance passed by council allows for Claypool to continue its pursuit of Indiana American Water potentially acquiring the town’s water utility. The town is still in the negotiation process with IAW.

“It does not mean that everything is completed,” said Stage. “The negotiations will come after this (ordinance) and even still, the regulatory commission has to get involved to see whether or not we can proceed.”

Discussions on this proposal first began in February 2020. The town and IAW entered an agreement to conduct an appraisal, at the expense of IAW, to determine the feasibility of IAW acquiring Claypool’s water utility.

The appraisal estimates Claypool’s water utility assets value $1.5 million.

In other business, Town Marshal Ben Sanders notified citizens that intermittent closings at Claypool’s railroad crossings will continue while Norfolk Southern works to replace about 1,100 feet of rails. Sanders said the town has no control over what crossings remain open and closed during the process.

He also asked residents to report any damage to personal property caused by a BB or pellet gun to the Claypool Police Department. The department has received several reports over the past couple weeks involving damage to houses, windows and vehicles.

Sanders also announced that 525 Foundation has donated a drop box to CPD. The box is inside the police department and can be used by residents for the disposal of unneeded or expired medication.

Town Employee Danny Warner said grave decorations in Graceland Cemetery must be removed by April 1 for spring cleaning. They can be replaced on May 1.

During the meeting, Stage said the town is also looking into starting its own website. More information on this will be announced at a later date.

Claypool’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, in the Claypool Lions Club building.