News From Terre Haute, Indiana

Local & Bistate

March 14, 2013

Commissioners consider stiffer tire storage ordinance

TERRE HAUTE — Vigo County Commissioners will soon determine if changes should be made to a county tire storage ordinance.

The county’s Board of Commissioners voted this week to advertise a proposed amended ordinance next week, meaning the board could make a final vote in late March or early April, said Vigo County attorney Michael Wright.

The amended tire ordinance must be advertised twice, one week apart, as it includes new fines, Wright said.

The county first enacted a tire storage ordinance in 2006 as a way to reduce the breeding of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus. One proposed change is to remove a 10-day grace period to correct violations and replace that with the word “immediately.”

Commissioner President Judith Anderson said commissioners discussed the use of the term “immediately,” which could cause one tire company concern as it deals with huge tires for mining equipment, some of which may be 12 to 14 feet in diameter or larger.

Those tires could not be removed quickly as they require special equipment because of their size and weight. However, Anderson said that company has agreed to make a permanent storage building for the tires and has worked with the county health department on what it must do to comply with proposed changes in the ordinance.

Commissioner Brad Anderson said he is still concerned about the terminology.

“My concern is the word immediate. I don’t like that in the ordinance. I would suggest 48 hours or something like that. Immediate is to your discretion or whoever’s discretion to enforce that. The word immediate just really bothers me,” Brad Anderson said.

Joni Wise, administrator of the Vigo County Health Department, said the term immediately is used in other county ordinances. Health inspectors, for example at a restaurant, do not tell if they will return in 48 hours, as in that time frame “there could be a greater possibility of a health hazard to the public,” Wise said.

“I think that is why in public health we use the word immediate. We have never been a black and white department. We are gray,” Wise said. “We understand. We are human beings also. We are there to educate and help the businesses and the public so they can make an informed choice for healthier outcomes.”

“I understand, I just don’t like that word,” Brad Anderson said again.

Wright said that while the ordinance will be advertised, commissioners could make changes to the ordinance prior to a final vote.

Some other proposed changes include increased fines for improper storage, with a $50 fine for the first offense, $100 for the second and $250 for the third and subsequent offense. In addition, failure to produce proper documentation of proper tire disposal would result in a fine of $100 per day for the first offense and $250 for the second and subsequent offenses.

Another change is the definition of “proper storage,” which under the amended ordinance would be a permanent, solid, impermeable covered enclosure. The use of a tarp to cover tires would be considered improper storage.

The Vigo County Board of Health unanimously approved the amended ordinance in January, which then brought the ordinance before the Board of Commissioners for final approval.

Reporter Howard Greninger can be reached at 812-231-4204 or howard.

greninger@tribstar.com.

 

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local & Bistate
Latest News
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
TribStar.com Poll
AP Video
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Suspect in Killing of Officer Found Dead in Cell Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer Today in History May 25 High Wire Spectacle Thrills Crowd in Austria Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Mayor: Person Killed in San Antonio Flooding New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access Bus Fire Kills 16 Children, Teacher in Pakistan Raw: Gay Rights Activists March in Ukraine Britain Braces for Possible Copycat Attacks Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
NDN Video
Massive Flooding in San Antonio Area; Rescue Efforts Underway Hope For The Boy Who Can't Smile Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k Young protestor goes viral on Youtube High Wire Spectacle Thrills Crowd in Austria Toronto Mayor says he's not a crack head Maine island offers lighthouse getaway Suspect in Killing of Officer Found Dead in Cell Should We Prepare for Quakes? Lynn Kindergarten Class Rescues Ducklings Congressional gold medal awarded to civil rights heroes Charles Ramsey visits Kentucky Unique Display Greets Guests At Revel Casino Cape Cod Train Service Worries Residents BASE jumper rides snowmobile off cliff to honor dead friend Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' SHOCKING: School Guard Throws Girl Down Stairs Star Wars X-Wing Star Fighter Made of Legos Actress Amanda Bynes Arrested in New York Singer Psy Has An Imposter
Parade
Magazine

Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
  • -

     

    March 12, 2010

activity
Real Estate News