Mount Vernon News

CENTERBURG — Centerburg Mayor George Shaw found himself in the midst of controversy again at the village council meeting on Monday evening. The discussion centered around allegations that Shaw began construction of a deck on his property without the proper permits.

Resident Ellen Scott told council of her interactions with Shaw during the early part of July, when Shaw was beginning construction on a deck. Scott, who shares a property line with Shaw on Union Street, said that after making inquiries, she learned Shaw did not have the proper permit to build a deck in the location where construction was proceeding.

Ed Miller also spoke, and said Shaw was an inept mayor. He called on council to levy a fine against Shaw for beginning work without the proper permits.

“My understanding is that a fine can be issued for constructing without a permit. I feel the fine should be issued [to Shaw] and paid. You as council members will be doing the village a great injustice if this fine is allowed to go unpaid,” said Miller.

“The mayor is incapable of performing his duties and appears he would rather beg for forgiveness than ask for permission,” he said.

Councilwoman Diane Stockmaster wondered how it was possible that Shaw could have begun construction without receiving the appropriate permits.

“I understand Joe Citizen not necessarily knowing [the proper permit procedures], but for [Shaw] to claim he didn’t know, that boggles my mind,” said Stockmaster.

“I will admit that I am not ... up to speed on the zoning requirements, and I should be,” said Shaw.

He said that as soon as he learned he was in violation by not having the proper permit, he told the contractor to halt construction.

“There [were] mistakes made,” said Shaw. “It’s hard to go back and correct a mistake.”

Shaw said his situation will come before the zoning board at its next meeting, and he will request a zoning variance for his deck. If the variance is approved, Shaw will be permitted to complete construction of the deck.

Also during the meeting:

•Council heard from resident Otis Brandy regarding Hendren Farms silos on North Hartford Avenue. Brandy said the silos are a source of irritating dust and noise. Councilman Jerry Hess said he would like to use all the leverage council is permitted to use to try and resolve the matter. Village solicitor Kyle Stroh said he would take responsibility for the oversight that allowed construction of a new silo, and would look into zoning codes and possible actions the village may take against Hendren Farms.

•Council unanimously approved a request from the Heart of Ohio Women’s Club to use the gazebo and to close South Clayton Street in order to host a fundraiser from 3 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 24.

•Council unanimously gave permission for a parade to be held during the Oldtime Farming Festival. The request was presented by resident Brenda Veltre.

•Councilman Jack Tucker made a motion to halt payments to the electric company until the company repaired the non-functioning street lights in the village. No one seconded the motion. In response to Tucker’s motion, Shaw said he would contact the company and try to get repairs started.