Town smoking ban, just the basics

By John Estridge, Editor

Brookville Town Council members decided to do the basics for the statewide smoke ban that went into effect Sunday, July 1.

Passed by the state legislature, the smoking ban encompasses all municipal, county and state owned buildings up to within eight feet of their entrances.

Town Council members at their June 26 meeting told clerk Linda Dunn to have the no smoking signs put up at all the municipal buildings, which includes the Schilling Center.

Dunn said the ban could take in anything with a roof over it.

However, they will take a wait-and-see approach to structures such as the picnic shelters at the Brookville Town Park.

“Looking down the road, I’d like to see how it all plays out before we expand it,” BTC President Mike Biltz said.

In other business, council heard from Brookville Main Street Inc. President Allen Beneker. He updated council on the projects that the organization has been working on since the town received a $50,000 Place Based Investment Fund Indiana Tourism A Model for the 21st Century Grant.

According to Beneker, Wilhelm Lumber Co. stopped work on the hillside off Progress Street between Fourth and Fifth streets.

Wilhelm wanted to have an agreement concerning possible liabilities related to the removal of trees from the hillside.

The town penned an agreement and signed it at the meeting.

When finished, there will be an overlook to the Whitewater River’s west fork.

Beneker said there is a misconception the reduction in timber will lead to erosion.

A Department of Natural Resources official looked over the situation while the grant was in the planning stages and said there will not be an erosion problem on the hill.

Beneker suggested a curb might be put in place to reduce drainage off the street. The curb may also help keep vehicles from traveling off the street and down the hill. Other items that might be placed there include a split-rail fence and landscaping.

In the future, Beneker said he would like for there to be some benches for people to sit and enjoy the view. It is also planned to tie in the area with the Whitewater Canal Trail.

“We would like for it to become a happening place, where people can sit and relax” Beneker said. “That river is beautiful and you don’t know it is there because people don’t see it.”

The cement benches are in place at the Brookville Town Park. Seeding was held off until after Canoefest, Beneker said.

Also, town council discussed creating an Economic Revitalization Area for MBC Group.

This was done in the past for the same building, the former Jay Garment Building. It was put in place in the past when it was part of J&J Packaging.

After discussion with Brookville Town Attorney Brenda Wilhelm-Waggoner, council members said they will get a better understanding of exactly what the MBC Group executives want within the revitalization district agreement.

Council members talked with the Ye Olde Shack manager concerning how long bands can play outside on weekends. Council members told him to play it by ear and try to be courteous to the establishment’s neighbors.