Independence Township residents now have an updated utility ordinance to follow ? one that Clerk Shelagh VanderVeen says finally includes sections on enforcement and penalties.
‘We didn’t have any of this in there before,? explained VanderVeen. ‘Now the ordinance has some teeth.?
The new additions to the ordinance established enforcement officers to uphold the new penalties. According to the ordinance, a violation of the utility ordinance is a civil infraction and subject to various fines, depending upon infraction.
‘I swore in two Department of Public Works employees to enforce these new sections,? said VanderVeen. ‘They can assign fines and penalties and such.?
The following penalties are listed:
? First violation is a minimum fine of $50 and a maximum of $500, plus costs, damages and other sanctions.
? Second violation is a minimum of $150 and a maximum of $1,000 plus all of the above.
? Third violation is a minimum of $250 fine and a maximum of $2,000 plus all of the above.
? Fourth violation is a minimum of $400 and a maximum of $4,000 plus all of the above.
According to the ordinance, each violation and on each day upon which they occur, count as a separate offense. Any violation can be declared a ‘nuisance? and the township may file a civil suit. In addition, appearance tickets and other such procedures may be applied.
The trustees voted unanimously to approve the changes. For a complete copy of the ordinance, please stop by Independence Township Hall located at 90 N. Main St. Call 248-625-5111 with any questions.