Etna Green Town Council Members Jason Hanes and Susan Klinefelter look over paperwork during a Nov. 14 meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Shepherd.

By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

ETNA GREEN — The Etna Green Town Council discussed solar-powered speed limit signs and an abandoned property on Spring Street during a Nov. 14 meeting.

Council Member Susan Klinefelter said there have been many complaints about speeding within town limits and asked Council Members Keith Claassen and Jason Hanes to consider the possibility of getting some for Etna Green in the future. She expressed interest in signs similar to ones the towns of Mentone, Akron, and Argos have.

“It’s solar-powered and radar,” said Klinefelter. “It will give the car their speed and I like the ones that say, if you’re going the speed limit, ‘thank you,’ and if you’re not, it says, ‘slow down.’ I think people pay more attention to those.”

Hanes also suggested the possibility of putting a stop sign back at the Spring and Walnut Street intersection to help prevent some speeding in town. No decision on getting solar-powered speed limit signs was made at the meeting.

In other business, Rick Price, an Etna Green resident, expressed concern with an abandoned property at 129 E. Spring St. He described the property as a “pit” with broken windows and animals as residents.

Town Attorney Nick Jacobs told Price that Etna Green has an ordinance regarding unsafe buildings in town limits. The ordinance gives the town more options to address dilapidated buildings, including the establishment of enforcement and hearing authorities. An enforcement authority is an assigned individual approved by council to look at an unsafe building and complete an assessment. A hearing authority is in place for property owners to contest against the ordinance if their property is deemed unsafe by the town.

Several residents said the property has been abandoned for about three to four years. Hanes said the council will consider its options for addressing the property’s issues.

Clerk-Treasurer Patti Cook informed council and residents about upcoming events in December. Santa will be visiting Etna Green from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 16 at Heritage Park, and the town will once again be hosting its annual Christmas light contest. Large trash day will also take place on Dec. 1.

Hanes also informed those in attendance that the proposed walking trail project near Heritage Park has been given to the Lions Club of Etna Green. Once the Lions Club has determined a feasible approach under the amount of $200,000, the club will bring it before the town for further consideration. Etna Green has a $200,000 pledge from the K21 Health Foundation to use for health and wellness opportunities in the community.

Council also tabled items presented by Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation Project Director Terry Sweeney pertaining to a 2024 service fee agreement and a potential housing development project at an 18-acre residential TIF district. Hanes said he’d like to address the council and KEDCO’s partnership further in January when future Council Member Heath Roberts is seated.

The council’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, in Etna Green Town Hall.