Ongoing problems with abandoned or neglected properties topped the conversation at the DeGraff Village Council Tuesday.
Specific properties mentioned at the council were the landromat and car wash on Cretcher Street, the property at 114 Walker and the burned house near the village limit at 417 W. Miami St.
Village Solicitor Dan Bennett told council that letters will be sent to the property owners, after which they have five days to comply before the village takes over and maintains the properties. Costs will then be applied to the property taxes.
As for the property at 417 W. Miami, it is the village's intention to raze the house, which burned several years ago and has been abandoned. Bennett said that before the village can take action, the property owners and all lien holders must be notified. Once this is done, the village can then make plans to raze the house.
The council also discussed passing an ordinance requiring those to use horses in the village limits to clean up after their animals. Bennett told the council that ordinances regarding droppings from animals refer to dogs and small animals, not horses, and that a new ordinance must be written and passed. Linda Harford said that she would get in contact with other villages - such as Belle Center - and possibly use one of its ordinances as a template for the the DeGraff proposal.
Greg Norris from All-American Energy was on hand and told the council that the proposed natural gas line to the village will not be realized this year. He also said that mailings will be made to DeGraff and Quincy residents explaining the delay.
In other news, the council approved up to $1,000 for the purchase of new or serviceable used water hoses for the fire department and authorized $1,950 for the repair of the sidewalks at the CSX overpass on South Main St.
Street Department Chair Gloria Armstrong noted that the update on the SR 235/SR 508 intersection (Main and Miami streets) has been completed, with the new light and ADA sidewalks in place.
The next meeting of the DeGraff Village Council haas been changed to Tuesday, July 24th at 7 p.m.
