After hearing concerns from a town resident on a proposed ordinance to limit camper use on residential property, the Crothersville Town Council unanimously approved second reading last Tuesday to the ordinance. The proposed local law would limit the amount of time a camper, RV, or mobile trailer could be inhabited inside the town limits.
Town officials noted that several properties inside the town have allowed campers, RV’s and similar structures to be parked and inhabited for extended periods of time. But it is uncertain how water and sewer services are being provided.
Local resident Nalona Bush expressed concerns that the ordinance could impede family visits or care for aging parents.
“When my parents wintered in Arizona or Florida they would return home to Crothersville with their camper for the summer and stay in their camper or their property,” she said. “This ordinance could prevent that from happening.”
However, council members said that the ordinance allows for special temporary exceptions for family situations.
“The exception clause will allow the council to consider special needs on a case by case basis,” said councilwoman Terry Richey.
Councilman Jamy Greathouse agreed. “This ordinance is not designed to prevent people from having temporary guests from staying in campers,” he said. “This is to prevent campers from being a permanent style of residence. The ordinance allows for exceptions approved by the council for families and temporary visitors.
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,” Greathouse said.
The council unanimously approved second reading of the ordinance. A third and final reading could take place at the council’s Feb. 6 meeting.
The council approved getting two appraisals on the town-owned real estate at 404 Moore Street which formerly house the local police department.
However, Greathouse said the town may be wiser to keep the property for future business. He said he has been in contact with a medical service provider in hopes of getting a medical care office back into the community.
“We might be more successful with that if we had a facility that could be leased,” he said.
Town attorney Matt Lorenzo reminded the council, that approving a resolution to obtain appraisals “does not mean you will sell it but does allow you to move forward in the process.”
The council approved getting two appraisals by a 5-0 vote.
In other business, the council approved applying for a state Community Crossings Grant to resurface Preston Street from Collman Ave. south to the drainage bridge.
Dan Wright, engineer with FPBH, said the project estimate is $296,000 with a local match of a little over $74,000.
He added that the next grant cycle could include the bridge replacement and Preston Street south to Moore Street.
The council unanimously approved applying for the CCMG grant.
In first meeting of the new year business, the council elected Terry Richey as president and Jason Hillenburg as vice president.
The council re-appointed Duane Davis as their representative to Homeland Security and re-appointed Curt Kovener to represent the community on Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation.
Regular monthly meetings would continue to be held on the first Tuesday of the month but begin at 6:30 p.m., it was decided.