Huntingburg discusses property issues, Hunters Crossing parking, rental registration, more
Huntingburg officials are taking increasingly aggressive action against property code violations, with the city attorney outlining a multi-step enforcement process that includes daily fines up to $7,500 and potential court-ordered injunctions.
The escalated enforcement came into focus during Tuesday’s common council meeting when resident Janet Schnell continued pressing officials about a property violation in her neighborhood. Schnell, who has been attending meetings regularly to ensure progress continues, expressed frustration with the slow pace of improvements despite recent enforcement efforts.
City Attorney Phil Schneider provided a detailed timeline of the current enforcement process for the problematic property. After the property owner failed to comply within the initial 30-day notice period, they received a citation with a $50 fine and notification of daily fines for continued violations.
“They’ve got specific instructions as to what they have to do to come to compliance within 14 days,” Schneider said.
He explained the property owner was given until August 19 to comply, and if they fail to come into compliance, Schneider will file for injunctive relief in court.
The attorney explained that the legal process allows the city to seek court orders forcing property owners to comply with city codes. If property owners fail to follow court orders, they face contempt of court charges and additional penalties.
Mayor Neil Elkins acknowledged the enforcement challenges while defending the city’s recent efforts. He explained they have been in conversations with the property owners and have been on the property.
“As a neighbor, it is hard on our side because we have to rely on you as our representatives to really push it forward,” Schnell responded.
Mayor Elkins gave a rundown of recent code enforcement activities. The city sent out 70 violation notices last month, with the majority being high grass violations rather than more serious property maintenance issues.
He emphasized they’re taking a more hands-on approach, with detailed letters and personal conversations with property owners when possible.
Chief Heim has been particularly active in enforcement, taking photographs and providing specific instructions to property owners. The mayor praised his approach, noting that the chief doesn’t want to send firefighters on these properties and also looks for resources to help residents who may need assistance.
The enforcement discussion highlighted the complexity of addressing long-standing property issues. The city is researching successful enforcement models from other communities, consulting with planning directors about what has worked and what hasn’t in similar ordinances.
The discussion also revealed broader concerns about vacant and abandoned properties throughout the city. Officials are exploring a registration system for vacant properties and considering joining a regional land bank program that could help the city acquire and redevelop problematic properties.
Mayor Elkins indicated an ordinance is about 98% ready for the city attorney to review.
The city is also developing new ordinances to address rental property registration and standards.
“We’re asking for a lot more information than we know that we have,” Mayor Elkins explained regarding the proposed rental registration system. Requirements would include liability insurance, current tax payments, and contact information for property managers.
Council members expressed support for moving forward with rental registration requirements, with Councilwoman Bolte stating it was “well past due.” Officials indicated they hope to present new ordinances for review within the coming weeks.
The enforcement discussion reflects broader efforts to improve housing quality and availability in Huntingburg, as the city works to address both problem properties and the need for additional housing units identified in recent studies.
Huntingburg Common Council approves Hunters Crossing parking
The Huntingburg City Council has given the green light to new parking restrictions for several streets in the Hunters Crossing subdivision.
At Monday’s council meeting, members unanimously passed an ordinance that sets up no-parking zones on certain streets. The goal is to boost safety and make sure emergency vehicles can get through easily.
Mayor Neil Elkins explained that these new rules are in line with parking restrictions put in place in Hunter’s Crossing over the last five years.
“We’ve just taken over these streets recently,” Elkins said. “Now it’s time to get the signs up.”
Both the police and fire departments have given their stamp of approval to the parking plan. Fire Chief Donnie Heim even took a fire truck for a spin through the area to make sure it could get through without any issues.
The mayor points out that some residents have already started parking on both sides of the streets. That’s why officials are moving quickly to put these rules in place “before it becomes a habit,” as Elkins puts it.
Councilman Jeff Bounds remembers that when Hunters Crossing was first developed, the plan called for narrower streets with the understanding that there wouldn’t be any on-street parking.
“It turns out some residents say they were never told about the no-street-parking rule,” Bounds said. “And some people have five or six cars.”
He noted that it’s difficult to park at homes if the residents have visitors or other events forcing streetside parking.
“You’re gonna have parties,” Councilwoman Pam Bolte agreed. “You’re gonna have people over to your house.”
Bounds stated he understood they needed to approve the ordinance, but he was “planting his flag” on never approving narrow streets again for future developments.
The council approved the ordinance unanimously.
Other items
The council also heard an update from Dubois Strong on Tuesday. You can read that story here.
The council agreed to have the 2026 budget meeting on August 26.
