Councilman Randy Longanecker addressed several concerns during the Plymouth Common Council meeting on Monday, October 14.
Longanecker asked for an update on the status of a sidewalk for Oak Road. Attorney Jeff Houin informed Longanecker that it is in the preliminary concept design phase which is nowhere near complete. The City of Plymouth has been working with the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) and Complete Streets to identify funding sources.
Longanecker asked for the status on the sidewalk seating and lighting in downtown Plymouth. Building Commissioner Dennis Manuwal Jr. confirmed that those embellishments are in violation of current City of Plymouth Code. He attempted to visit business owners in downtown Plymouth to discuss the issue and notified them that they are required to keep a five foot pathway to accommodate Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and any electrical embellishments need to be a minimum of 10 feet above the sidewalk. He knocked on every door but several business owners were not present. There will be no request to take down the embellishments this year; however Manuwal informed the Council that they need to update the Ordinance for next year if they want to allow for the lighting and outdoor seating or he will be enforcing the current ordinance in 2025.
Houin confirmed that the sidewalks in downtown Plymouth are under the authority of the City of Plymouth even though Michigan St. is a state highway. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) confirmed INDOT jurisdiction is from curb to curb. The current ordinance does not clearly define an obstruction; at this time anything on the sidewalk is considered an obstruction. A committee led by Councilman Dave Morrow will consider the matter and bring recommendations to the Council.
Longanecker updated the Council that there is still fiber in his yard; an issue he has asked to be rectified for months. Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson informed the Council that a redesign has been approved on that project which should result in progress.
Longanecker asked for a county sewer update. Houin answered that a draft agreement was sent in July but has not heard back at this time. It is the Regional Sewer District’s possession awaiting review from their attorneys and a response.
Longanecker asked what the City of Plymouth’s Ordinance states regarding Port-A-Potties in the road. He explained that developers working in his subdivision have left on in the roadway. Manuwal Jr. confirmed that the portable toilet will be removed from the roadway by end of day Tuesday, October 15.
Longanecker informed the Council that when Plymouth passed the Pride (Plymouth Resident IDentification Endorsement) Cards they were supposed to be given regular updates. He indicated that he has either missed that meeting or the updates haven’t been given as required. Houin said that a public update will be requested.
