By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Details of the work of NeighborLink, a Berne-based group which assists some people with work needed on their property, were presented to Decatur City Council at its meeting Tuesday night.
Council was first informed of the organization at its previous meeting (see earlier story) by Curt Witte, the city’s superintendent of building and zoning.
Witte (left in photo) is in charge of enforcing Decatur’s codes against excessive grass and weeds, junk vehicles, dilapidated buildings, etc. Some of the problems are due to what many would call deadbeat owners while some are due to a property being owned by an investment firm far removed from Decatur.
Some folks, though, are limited financially and physically, and that’s a different situation, Witte has said. “We run into all kinds of people and all kinds of situations,” he told council at its latest meeting. Some, he pointed out, just need a helping hand or two.
Witte said at the previous meeting that he has called NeighborLink to assist some of the latter people, which was done, so he asked council to consider making a donation to the Berne group.
To bolster his request, Witte brought Zane Martens (right in photo), who heads the NeighborLink in the county, to offer details and answer questions.
“We are an online tool to help connect people who want to help their neighbors,” Martens said. “We have church groups, school groups, anyone who wants to volunteer.”
“I appreciate having these groups help out,” Councilman Matt Dyer remarked.
Martens, who owns and operates Marquis Builders, noted that NeighborLink has done a number of projects throughout Adams County in its five years of operation, including 10 or so in Decatur in the previous two years.
The organization he heads is completely donation-based and has a board of six people, Martens said in response to a question.
Asked by Councilman Scott Murray if money donated by council would be used in this city, Martens said the donation could be tracked and specifically be used in Decatur.
“Anyone can post on our website (seeking assistance)” Martins explained. While nothing is guaranteed, he added, there are no requirements or vetting to list on the website.
NeighborLink, Witte said, “gives code enforcement another tool to use … on the other (good) side. Things just happen to some people and they get behind the eight ball.”
Witte said he was thinking of perhaps a donation of around $5,000, “but whatever you do is great.”
Finding the money in the budget would be the first step to making a donation, so any final decision was delayed until the next meeting, Oct. 3, allowing for time to look further into the situation.
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