Council Member Tom Barker listens to Town Attorney Tammy Keirn speak during the Pierceton Town Council meeting Monday, April 8.

PIERCETON — After the Pierceton Town Council adjourned its meeting on Monday, April 8, Town Manager Chip Hill submitted his letter of resignation to council members.

Hill, who has worked for the town for 22 years, read a brief letter to the council regarding his resignation. He told the council his reason for leaving was “due to recent changes in leadership.”

During the meeting, resident Lucy Smith expressed concern regarding the remains of a house on West Tower Street. In January, officers and firefighters responded to that area for a house fire. The property is currently pending criminal investigation due to potential arson charges for a subject who resided there.

Smith said debris from the property has been blowing everywhere and asked if it would be possible for a fence to be placed around the property.

Council members and Town Marshal Tim Sammons said that since the property is not owned by the town, town employees cannot enter the premises and do clean-up.

“Investigations such as arson take time,” said Sammons. “There’s always an investigation at the local level, then Nationwide [Insurance Company] will come in and collect samples, too. I agree that the property is an eyesore, but these investigations take time.”

Council Member Tom Barker asked if anything temporary can be done for the property.

“I mean, do we reach a point where the town could fence off the property?” asked Barker. “Even if it’s not town property, it’s still important to keep properties safe.”

Sammons asked Town Attorney Tammy Keirn if it would be possible to draft a letter to Nationwide inquiring about the town potentially doing yard clean-up at the property. Keirn said she would prepare to draft a letter regarding the property.

In other business, Sammons said officers will soon be tagging vehicles that fall under the town’s junk vehicle ordinance. The ordinance is enforced in the spring for vehicles that have not been moved for a set period of time.

“We’re not singling out certain people or properties; we’re just following ordinances,” said Sammons.

Sammons also encouraged the public to contact Kosciusko County’s newly formed Narcotics Enforcement Team, or NET43, for any drug complaints or tips.

“I’m very excited about this,” said Sammons. “It’s police departments helping one another out and it’s great for the community.”

Tips to NET43 can be submitted by calling (574) 372-2494 or by e-mailing [email protected].

The council’s next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 13.