Photo: Brazil Mayor Brian Wyndham speaks to the Clay County Chamber of Commerce (file photo).

 

By Frank Phillips/DLC Media News

BRAZIL-If you are bothered by loud noises and you’ve wondered, “Why doesn’t the city do something about that?” you should know the City of Brazil, like many other cities, has a noise ordinance.

The City Council is concerned that the fine is too small for those breaking the noise ordinance, whether it is a motorcycle, car, truck or loud parties.

Now, if a citation is written for violation of the noise ordinance, the fine is $25. Raising that fine to $150 for the first violation and even more for subsequent violations could make. violators think twice.

City attorney Traci Orman is writing an amended ordinance to put more bite into the noise ordinance. She will present the revised ordinance at a future meeting of the City Council.

In other business to come before the City Council Wednesday night:

• A proposed ordinance provision for street vendors was discussed. The person who proposed the ordinance was not present at the meeting and the mayor and council members were not sure what the value of such an ordinance would be. In all likelihood, vendors at Route 40 Fest and similar events would be exempt, said Mayor Brian Wyndham. The ordinance could affect anyone who sells items on the street to the public, said Clerk-Treasurer Karen McQueen.
• Attorney Orman said a report has been filed with the Indiana Department Local Government Finance (DLGF) for the city’s Redevelopment Authority, which is required by the State. The report has to include outstanding bonds issued by the City, etc.

In Council comments:

• Councilman Shane Litz praised the city for repairs made to a water leak on SR 59 at Short Street. Mayor Wyndham said there were several lines running underground at that location and they had been laid on bedrock. “We had to run a jackhammer to be able to get beneath the broken pipe to repair it,” Mayor Brian Wyndham said. Valves have been installed to shut off the water in case of future leaks. The mayor said it was not necessary to tear up SR 59 to repair the leak.
• Councilman Karen Boes said people had asked how more playground equipment could be installed at Hendrix Park (the former Babe Wheeler Park.) Mayor Wyndham said they need to contact the park board.
• Councilman Steve Bell congratulated Jerry Robison for his 50 years with the city. Mayor Wyndham said the record is 52 years and he hoped Mr. Robison will break that record. The mayor said there have been many city employees who have worked 30 years or longer.
• Councilman Angie Modesitt said she has received complaints about JOINK trucks being parked on people’s lawns without permission, streets being damaged and water lines broken. Mayor Wyndham said construction is a good thing and “there will be some inconvenience but that the end of the day it will be nice to have that service.” JOINK is installing fiber optic lines that will bring high speed internet to the residents of Brazil. He said JOINK is good about repairing damage the company has caused. “Bear with us,” he said.

The next meeting of the city council is scheduled at 5 p.m., April 12, in City Hall.