MENTONE — Council members approved a request by Utilities Superintendent Josh Shepherd for the purchase of a backhoe at the March 6 town council meeting.

Shepherd submitted quotes for both new and used backhoes. The least expensive quote for a used backhoe was $76,000. After comparing quotes for new and used backhoes, council members agreed that it would be a better deal to purchase a new backhoe, as opposed to paying a significant price for a used one. A quote was received from New Holland Rochester Inc., Rochester, for a new backhoe at the cost of $84,400 with a municipality discount. A motion was made to purchase the New Holland backhoe, with the motion being unanimously approved.

Shepherd stated he had the property at 123 East Main St., surveyed. He plans to proceed with ideas for this property in the next couple of weeks.

Tim Croy reported that he has tried contacting Wayne Baker about having a section of fence installed where a building was, but so far he has been unable to make contact with the Bakers. Croy will continue attempting to make contact with the family.

Croy stated he would like Mentone residents to be aware that if they put up a fence, a shed or make any sort of changes or additions to their property, they may need to have a permit in order to do this. Any changes they make around their homes may require a permit. If someone is unsure whether or not a permit is required, they should check into this before making the changes or additions. Croy mentioned that another issue is that when residents are performing remodels, they are putting this type of trash out by the streets or alleys. Croy stated that it is not the responsibility of the town to dispose of this but rather the responsibility of the homeowner.

Council members stated that yard sales also require permits. Croy clarified there is no fee for a yard sale permit; however, residents are required to obtain the permit. It is preferred that yard sales be held on Thursday, Friday and/or Saturday. Council members would prefer that no yard sales are held on Sundays. Mentone residents are allowed to have two yard sales per year. During the Mentone Egg Festival, residents are also allowed to have yard sales. No permit is required for yard sales held during the Mentone Egg Festival.

In other news:

• February meeting minutes were approved as written and claims were signed.
• Cemetery cleanup will be done on Monday, April 3. If anyone has items at the cemetery that they want, they should remove those items before April 3.
• An executive meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23 so that council members can review applications that have been received for the deputy position and possibly also conduct interviews at that time.
• The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 3.