Washington’s City Council met Monday evening and approved two fund transfers and tightened the ordinance regarding loose animals. Prior to the Council meeting, Mayor Rhoads administered the oath of office to Jackson Wade, the City’s newest firefighter. Wade is a native of Washington and a graduate of Washington High School.
In regular business, the Council approved the transfer of $37,485 from the Street Department budget. The funds were moved to the Local Road and Street account. The Council also approved a transfer of funds from the Cumulative Capital Development Account to Repairs. The funds will be used to repair water damage at the Animal Shelter.
The Council then unanimously approved an amendment to the ordinance regarding loose or uncontrolled animals. Under the new ordinance, dog owners will be responsible for injuries caused by their animal if the animal is running loose or is unconfined. The ordinance also sets six feet as the maximum length for a dog’s leash. In addition, the ordinance strengthens the fines for owners whose dogs are running loose.
In other ordinances, the Council appropriated funding received from Indiana’s Community Crossings Matching Grant for street and road pavement. The Council also appropriated funds received from the State as the result of asserts seized or forfeited as the result of criminal activity. By State law, the funds were appropriated to the Police Department account.
Following the meeting, Mayor Rhoads reminded everyone that Food Truck Tuesday will return tonight at Eastside Park. The Mayor also gave an update on the all-inclusive playground.
The All-Inclusive Playground, serving all children, including those with disabilities, is located at Longfellow Park.
Following the Council meeting, the Board of Public Works and Safety held its regular meeting. The Board approved the addition of property at Southeast Second and Indiana Avenues to the list for the sidewalk and curb replacement program. The Board also approved a change order for the renovation of the City’s sanitation plant. The City had planned to remove a buildup of sludge and debris in the SPR system but found that the sludge was producing ammonia, resulting in a hazardous situation. Contractors for the project have the necessary equipment to correct the problem.
In other business, the Board agreed to a one-year extension for Ed Barnett’s contract for professional engineering and land surveying. The Board also approved Mayor Rhoads signing a letter of support for the Washington City Fire Department and the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department’s letter of application for funding from the State of Indiana to build a fire training facility at Washington Township Station 2. According to Fire Chief Steve Walden, there is no facility for advanced fire training within 30 miles. The facility would also be open to all area fire departments free of charge.
