(Posted June 20, 2023)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Mount Sterling’s nuisance and abatement committee continues to address violations ranging from tall grass and trash in yards to inoperable vehicles parked on private property or on the street.
At the June 12 village council meeting, council member Joyce Phillips, chair of the nuisance and abatement committee, reminded residents that livestock is considered a violation, as well.
“We don’t allow livestock in the village,” Phillips said. “We will be reaching out to you, or you can just be proactive and remove them on your own.”
The village notifies residents of violations and gives them time to correct them. Violations that go uncorrected can be subject to fines or tax assessments. In the case of a vehicle parked on the street for an extended period, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office can have the vehicle towed.
Phillips encouraged anyone who has questions about what constitutes a violation and the process for correcting it to call town hall, (740) 869-2040, or to attend a committee meeting. The nuisance and abatement committee meets at 5 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month at town hall, 1 S. London St.
Drainage project
The village plans to apply for a grant for a large-scale drainage project.
“The project will be a big deal in the older sections of town, especially taking care of standing, puddled water that builds up in the spring and winter,” said council member Andy Drake, chair of council’s finance committee.
The committee is working to determine the amount of matching funds the village will need to contribute to the project cost. This work is tied into the committee’s broader task of watching the overall budget.
“We need to watch our dollars seriously,” Drake said.
Year to date, the village is on track with spending, he said, but added, “We have a lot of summer left.” He noted the village has construction projects and expenses related to water service on the horizon.
The next finance committee meeting is at 2:30 p.m. July 12 at town hall.
Miscellaneous
• Council member Bill Tilley reported the village is having an issue with people driving ATVs and dirt bikes on village streets. He said an adult on a miniature dirt bike has driven by his home several times with a toddler on the handlebars.
“Folks, that is not cool. You’re asking for a lot of trouble,” he said.
Tilley chairs council’s safety/block watch committee.
• The village started spraying for mosquitos on June 14. Spraying will continue every Wednesday evening until Thanksgiving. Courtney Bricker, Mount Sterling’s fiscal officer, noted the spray is not toxic to humans or pets. There is no need to go inside when spraying takes place.
• The village of West Jefferson is lending their street sweeper to Mount Sterling. Once the cleaning is scheduled, residents will be asked to move their cars off the street. Signs will be posted.
• Council’s tree and beautification committee welcomes donations of plants to beautify the village. Some residents recently donated their extra perennials and other plants for inclusion in the landscaping at the town gazebo. To donate, call town hall or contact council member Becky Martin.
• An exhibit at the Mount Sterling Community Museum, located in the lower level of the Mount Sterling Public Library, features photos and information about veterans from Mount Sterling who fought in World War II. Council member David Timmons recommended that the public check out the exhibit and other memorabilia at the museum which is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, March-December.
