PIERCETON — Business was short at the Pierceton Town Council meeting Monday, Jan. 14, but focused on the continuation of discussion regarding unsafe buildings in the town.

In past meetings, the council has discussed three properties in Pierceton that require major repairs and alterations. In June 2018, property owner Brad Stahl was given six months to address the issues, which include repairing the structures and testing a condemned residence, located at 102 N. Washington St., for indications of methamphetamine.

Stahl was present at the meeting to give the council an update on the properties. He said the meth inspection for the Washington Street residence still needs completed and will hopefully be done by the middle of February. Stahl also told the council that the other two properties are secured.

Town Marshal Tim Sammons said he hasn’t checked the properties recently to determine if progress has been made.

“What we’re currently concerned with is the safety of the properties,” said council member Tom Barker. “All we’re requiring is just maintenance and upkeep of these properties.”

Stahl then asked the council to provide their interpretation of safety, saying that repairs he believes make the properties safe have been made.

“Consider the properties around you, Brad,” said Town Manager Chip Hill. “Your properties are affecting the property value of others nearby.”

The council agreed to have Sammons re-inspect the properties and present a report to them at February’s meeting.

During the meeting, Sammons informed the council that the Pierceton Police Department’s new vehicle is set to ship on Jan. 23. The department is expecting to receive it by the end of the month.

Pierceton Chamber of Commerce President Alicia Elder was also present at last night’s meeting. The Chamber’s pancake and sausage breakfast, which was set to take place on Jan. 19, has been postponed and moved to Jan. 26 due to the potential for bad weather.

The council’s next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11.