DUKE CENTER — The monthly meeting of the Otto Township supervisors was called to order by Chairman Chris Claycomb Wednesday evening.

In anticipation of another large turnout, the meeting was held at the fire hall on Sweitzer Drive. Twenty attendees again voiced their concern about the several unkempt properties in the township and the supervisors’ lack of corrective action.

Secretary Cindy Gardner stated that in order to enforce the ordinances fully and timely, complaints must be filed by residents. There have been four properties issued letters stating they are not in compliance. One has exhausted the time period to clean up and will be cited. Gardner apologized for the supervisors’ ineffectiveness in the past and assured the concerned and somewhat disgruntled residents that enforcement will be increased. Copies of the ordinance are available for any resident at the township office.

A suggestion was made to hire a blight officer. It was well-received, but it is not in the budget for this year. Residents were encouraged to keep attending meetings and report any blighted properties and violations.

It was announced that a town meeting will be held at the fire hall at 7 p.m. July 26 to address the responsibilities and legalities of maintaining the township cemeteries. All concerned residents are encouraged to attend.

The supervisors and the park committee have been putting some final touches on the Otto Township Park in preparation for the upcoming Old Home Days weekend, which will be held July 27-29. Lighting, cameras and signage are being installed, along with new horseshoe pits. There will be a special meeting at 7 a.m. on July 23 at the township office to approve the new park ordinance.

Supervisor and roadmaster Mark Palmer reported that bids were out for 1.4 miles of pavement on Kansas Branch. New road names, as required, were approved.

Ditches, culverts and mowing are being addressed on a daily basis.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 8.