LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
HUME—The village of Hume convened for their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 11. A broad range of issues affecting the community were discussed. Among the main topics were internet connectivity issues, junk vehicle ordinances, community building rentals and upcoming events for residents.
The meeting began with a brief moment of silence in observance of local veterans on Veterans Day.
Several complaints were brought up in regard to internet issues affecting multiple Hume residents. One resident had reached out requesting a follow-up on an unresolved issue, while other residents reported similar connectivity issues. The board acknowledged the technical difficulties and pledged to look into solutions to improve their service.
A majority of the monthly meeting was focused on addressing junk vehicle ordinances.
Police Chief Troy Eads presented a report he gathered, which laid out all of the vehicles that have been flagged for violations of local ordinances. The board went through the slideshow observing each vehicle and taking note of which vehicles were top priority.
“In my opinion, there are certain vehicles in there and pictures that we need to have a higher priority of sending the letters to and keeping our legal costs down,” Eads said.
Concerns about rising court costs rose among several attendees, with several agreeing that resources should be utilized in a different manner to avoid being stuck in litigation for an obscene amount of time.
Trustee Aaron Richardson presented a rough draft of the ordinance violation which will be presented to the owners of said abandoned vehicles. Attendees were satisfied with the drafted ordinance and agreed to use it.
The ordinance reads:
“Village of Hume is committed to maintaining a clean and a safe environment for its residents. Hume citizens expect the village board to do everything within its power and authority to make sure measures are taken to keep compliance of the written and approved ordinances. This can only be achieved through the cooperation of everyone involved. Notices inform you that the property/owner listed above is in violation of the village ordinances. Ordinances that is being violated is… It is unlawful for any owner or occupant to violate the ordinances that are adopted by the village Board of Trustees within the village limits. Property/owner has…days to show compliance to the ordinance violation listed above. Failure to comply with the ordinance within the given amount of time may result in the violation being evaded by the village of the property owners expense, fines plus costs, and or a lien upon the property and or a court hearing. Please acknowledge that you have received this notice if delivered in person by the village chief police.”
Through unanimous decision, all vehicles presented by Eads were approved to begin the citation process.
Next, the board of trustees turned their attention to the possibility of creating a rental fee for the Hume community building. Currently, users of the community building are asked to make a free-will donation to use the event space, but the majority of the users aren’t spending a dime. The board agreed that a maintenance fee would be the best way to ensure that the space has a revenue stream to upkeep its condition and facilities.
To ensure a reasonable, competitive cost, members agreed to set the new maintenance fee at $75, which is still lower than other local community rentals.
Another item discussed at the meeting was the disposal of numerous books and bookshelves from the community building. The board decided the books were taking up space and were not being utilized efficiently. They unanimously agreed to hold a public event for Hume residents to go to the community building and purchase said books and/or bookshelves, before they are shipped off to a local library. The event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 8.
The final action approved at the meeting was in regard to snow removal. A snow removal contract with AZ Excavating was unanimously approved, ensuring that residents will have clear roads during the winter months. Some concerns were raised regarding senior citizens potentially being impacted by snow accumulation, but several members were quick to suggest solutions to assist vulnerable residents.