From left, Leesburg Councilman Tom Moore, Town Council President Mitch Rader and Council Vice President Christina Archer at Monday night’s meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

LEESBURG — At the Leesburg Town Council meeting Monday, July 8, Street Commissioner Craig Charlton suggested ordering more sewage pumps for the town to have on hand.

According to the monthly sewer report submitted by Derek Tenney of Tenney & Sons, six sewage pumps were replaced between June 16 and June 28.

Council initially agreed to purchase five new pumps.

Leesburg Clerk-Treasurer Michael Searfoss pointed out that in the past a discount was offered if 10 pumps or more were ordered at one time. Searfoss will contact the company to see if a discount is still being offered for a larger purchase; if so, the town will place an order for 10 pumps.

Tenney’s report indicated that a violation notice was given out at a residence on School Street due to underwear being found in the sewage pump.

Council has made numerous efforts over the past few years to educate residents about what items cannot be flushed. This includes distributing flyers and speaking with homeowners about the damage that can be caused by flushing items such as baby wipes, wet wipes, feminine products, paper towels, diapers, pills, condoms, dental floss, Q-tips and cotton balls.

In another matter, Council President Mitch Rader presented a contract at the meeting between the town and Pavement Solutions Inc for micro surfacing on some of the paved streets in Leesburg. The total cost of the project is $102,505. A matching grant received through Community Crossings will cover 75% of the cost, Rader said, meaning the town’s portion will be $25,625.52. Council approved and signed the contract.

Charlton and Rader will be reviewing which properties in violation of the refuse ordinance have made progress and which  ones have not, so that they may begin implementing fines. Rader said all in all, most residents have been open to discussion about making improvements to their properties.

Robin and Connie Watters attended Monday night’s meeting due to a complaint voiced by a resident at last month’s meeting about livestock in town.

According to town ordinance 91.02 LIMITATION ON KEEPING CERTAIN ANIMALS; SANITATION.

(A)   It shall be unlawful to have or keep any goats, sheep, swine or pigs, horses, mules, ponies, cattle, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guineas or other farm animals or fowl within 200 feet of any residence, other than the residence of the person so keeping or having these animals.

(B)   No person shall cause or allow any stable or place where any animal or fowl is or may be kept to become unsanitary.

The Watters said they have a pony which is a therapy pony for their Autistic grandchild. In addition, they said former town attorney Vern Landis told them that a horse is not an animal for food but rather a pet and that it was okay for them to keep a horse. They also believe the barn they keep their pony in is 200 feet from other residences in town.

Councilman Tom Moore said the language in the ordinance regarding livestock dates back to 1935 or 1939 and is “not very clear by 2024 standards.”

“If your horse is 201 feet away from anyone’s home, keep the horse,” Moore said.

In other news:

• Reminders: No parking on any street between 3-5 a.m. daily; No burning in town; Be mindful of what you flush.
• Residents are to place yard waste such as sticks and leaves in the town-provided trash tote. Large storm-damaged tree limbs are chipped on Fridays. Sidewalks and trees are the property and responsibility of the residents. Residents are to keep sidewalks clear of any obstructions, including low-hanging tree limbs, to provide safe passage per town ordinance 93.22(B).
• Council members will be meeting with Kosciusko Connect representatives to discuss the possibility of future internet service in Leesburg.
• The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12.

Leesburg resident Sue Charlton attended Monday night’s meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels