(ANGOLA) — The Angola Common Council unanimously approved a new ordinance making it illegal for registered sex offenders to enter city parks, a measure that closes a loophole in existing law. The law, approved Monday, carries a $500 fine for violators. Signs explaining the ordinance will be placed at several parks, including Fireman’s Park, Commons Park and the Friendship Playground, Nature Park, and the soon-to-open Sheets Family Park.
In other business, the council approved a three-year manufacturing tax abatement for Precision Edge Surgical Products. The abatement will provide a 100% tax reduction for the first two years and an 80% reduction for the third year. The company's expansion is expected to create 24 new full-time jobs.
The council also discussed replacing more than 2,000 street and traffic signs in the city. The project is estimated to cost $264,000, with federal grants covering 90% of the cost and the city contributing $26,400. Additionally, six bids were opened for the Williams Street Trail Project, but all came in higher than anticipated. The council tabled the project until the bids could be reviewed.
The next Common Council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 7 p.m..