By LINDA HOSKINS
for The Post and Mail

     By unanimous vote with all members present, Rick Hobbs has been re-elected as president on the Larwill Town Council for 2010. Rick Flauding and Phil Cameron are the remaining members of the board and Renee Sills is the town’s clerk-treasurer.
     Sills reported on six foreclosures in town stating there is no notification once these homes are foreclosed.
     If the search on foreclosures is completed by the clerk’s office, the charge is $30 per month for 20 searches and $50 per month for 60. The board agreed to pay for these searches as needed.
     “I have to go to the clerk’s office and search to find foreclosures which is very time consuming and taking up a lot of my time,” said Sills. “Out of the six houses in foreclosure, there are two I know we will not get money from the bank on.”
     Town Attorney Greg Hockemeyer stated the problem lies in the foreclosure already compete by the time Sills is notified.
     “I suggest we send a letter to the two homes in question because we are dealing with a bank that will not pay,” said Hockemeyer.
     In old business, colder weather is now a factor in completing leaf pick-up. Once there is a break in low temperatures, the process will continue. The council apologizes for any inconvenience.
     With extensive improvements to the residence on East Hammantree St., Bob Vandermark updated the council on the progress.
     “I see a lot of potential in this house,” said Vandermark. “I am 75 percent done with the wiring and now getting ready to drywall.”
     The residence has sat idle for approximately two years after a foreclosure. About four months ago, Vandermark and the town came up with an agreement allowing Vandermark to remodel and update the residence within six months. Once complete, the home will go back on the market.
     “Realistically, I am at the halfway point with the winter now slowing the progress,” said Vandermark. “By spring the home should look good and be ready to sell.”
     In new business, an emergency management agreement was approved for the town. Emergency management is a means of responding to large-scale emergencies or major disasters which can occur.
     Sewer and maintenance responsibilities will now be two separate job functions. Larry Sechrist is in charge of the sewer and Fred Stoffel for maintenance.
     A new garbage ordinance was approved through Sweetheimer Trash Removal out of Columbia City.
     “We have never had a garbage ordinance,” said Hobbs. “The state advised we must have one.”
     Sills reported on the current budget for December being $9,706.83, with $2,000 of this total going to the Richland Township Fire Dept.
     Next meeting is at 7 p.m. on Jan. 14.