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Markle council approves demolition of home

The Markle Town Council made quick work of a light agenda during its monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Markle Fire Station.

The council opened bids for the demolition of a property located at 310 W. Morse St. Af-ter the owners of the property failed to rectify numerous violations, the council decided at its last meeting to have the property demolished in the best interest of the town for safety and health reasons.

Huntington County Building Commissioner Shad Paul reported that the only company to bid on the project was Hoffman Construction, of Warren, with a quote of $4,250. The council unanimously approved a motion to award the contract to Hoffman Construction.
Paul added that the property will be demolished after disconnection of the utilities. It was also noted that the foundation would be removed, filled in and the lot will be seeded and coveredwith straw. A three-bay garage, which is shared with an adjoining property owner, will remain untouched.

Mark Mussman, executive director of Huntington Countywide Department of Commu-nity Development, reported on three proposed ordinances brought to the council during the last meeting. The ordinances addressed subdivision control, flag lots and an amend-ment to the tree ordinance.

Mussman stated that the subdivision control ordinance underwent and 18-month review process and extensive rewrite. The changes allowed the Plat Committee, which is a divi-sion of the Planning Commission, the ability to identify and scrutinize how lots are di-vided.

"The provisions prevent new lots in hazardous areas such as flood plains," Mussman said. "It also addresses access issues to these lots. It provides for a better planned com-munity."

Mussman noted that the town of Andrews adopted the ordinance at its last meeting. Council moved to approve the ordinance.

In regards to the zoning ordinance on flag lots, Mussman noted that the amendments ap-ply to future proposed lots and not pre-existing ones.

"We have made provisions to make it tougher to approve these types of lots as after a time there can be issues," Mussman noted. "We have seen some properties that drainage issues after a few years."

The council unanimously approved the ordinance.

The tree ordinance will be reviewed at the December meeting.

In old business:

• The council approved the 2012 salary ordinance providing for a two percent raise for all town employees.

• The solid waste contract was awarded to Waste Management for three years. Bids were reviewed at the last meeting.

The next meeting will be held on Dec. 13, at the Markle Fire Station.