Middleton Board of Aldermen appoints Code Enforcement Officer

At its April meeting, the Middleton Board of Aldermen unanimously passed a motion naming the chief of police as the city’s code enforcement officer. In the chief’s absence, the department’s second in command will assume code enforcement responsibilities.
Filling this new post was necessary before the aldermen could pass an amended ordinance governing property maintenance within the city limits. Ordinance number 2015-6 amends current property maintenance regulations, of which some are obsolete, some inadequate, and others inconsistent with each other. The new regulations will cover soot, smoke, stagnant water, weed, grass, dead animals, and health and sanitation nuisances. The ordinance also covers overgrown and dirty lots. Requirements for locating or occupying a house trailer or other portable building on property within the city is also addressed.  
The final section prohibits establishment of a cemetery or burial place within 600 feet of a residence. The first reading passed unanimously with the provision that the city attorney be contacted to ensure the current city cemetery is “grandfathered” in.
Earlier this month, the city held a sale of seized and surplus vehicles. Five vehicles were sold for $2,677.
Damage to the Willow Lift Station by an ant infestation or lightning strike led to the discovery that lift stations were not included under the city’s current property insurance policy. Further investigation revealed the Natural Gas Station is not insured. Tony Davis will be working with the city’s insurance agent to make sure all property is insured under the plan. The revised schedule will be presented to the board for approval.
The final item of business was a review of the preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The final draft will be addressed at the next board meeting. A 10 percent increase in minimum water rates was discussed, as was a raise in property taxes. The board took no specific action regarding the 2016 fiscal budget.