The town of Crothersville gave first reading last Tuesday to an ordinance which would limit the amount of time a camper, RV, or mobile trailer could be inhabited inside the town limits.
Several properties inside the town have allowed campers, RV’s and similar structures to be parked and inhabited for extended periods of time.
If the ordinance passes, those temporary recreational structures could be inhabited for no more than 15 days without incurring a daily fine of $50 to $2,500.
Parking a camper, motor home or RV on property in Crothersville would not be a violation.
“This ordinance is not saying you can’t have (a camper or RV). It is the usage that this ordinance regulates,” said councilman Jamy Greathouse. “Allowing a visiting family member to stay in a camper for less than 15 days would not be a violation.”
The council unanimously approved first reading of the ordinance which could go into effect sometime after the first of the year.
The council also approved the purchase of a Jet & Vac Hydro excavator and jetter for the utilities department. According to utilities director Mason Boicourt the equipment would allow town workers to clear clogs in sanitary and storm sewers more quickly and with less street and sidewalk damage and repair.
Boicourt explained that the equipment uses water at high pressure to clear blockages in town sewer lines then uses a high powered vacuum to remove the clog.
“This will save us time and the problem of using a backhoe to dig into streets and then repair the street,” said Boicourt.
The cost of the excavator is $128,000 but a seven-year lease through the Indiana Bond Bank would cost the town $22,299 a year, he said.
“This is pretty pricey but considering the time and repair costs, it is the route to go. Many other communities are switching to this type of equipment,” said Boicourt.
The Utah based manufacturer is to be at an Indianapolis equipment trade show next month.
“If you approve the purchase we can save the shipping costs and go to Indianapolis to bring the excavator here,” he said.
The council unanimously approved the purchase.
In another matter, the council gave clerk-treasurer Danieta Foster approval to write-off up to $9,281 in unpaid utility bills. She told the council, “Some of the properties already have utility liens and when property taxes are paid we will eventually get some money back.”