(A) Rules of interpretation. This code shall be construed by the following rules unless the construction is plainly repugnant to the legislative intent or context of the provision.
(1) Words and phrases shall be taken in their plain, ordinary and usual sense. Technical words and phrases having a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be understood according to their technical import.
(2) Words imputing joint authority to 3 or more persons shall be construed as imputing authority to a majority of the persons, unless otherwise declared in the section giving the authority.
(3) Where a section requires an act to be done which, by law, an agent or deputy may perform in addition to the principal, the performance of the act by an authorized deputy or agent is valid.
(4) Words denoting the masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine and neuter genders; words in the singular shall include the plural and words in the plural shall include the singular; the use of a verb in the present tense shall include the future, if applicable.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this code of ordinances, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AND. May be read OR, and OR may be read AND, if the sense requires it.
ANOTHER. When used to designate the owner of property which is the subject of an offense, includes not only natural persons but also every other owner of property.
BOARD. The Board of Public Works and Safety.
CLERK-TREASURER. The Clerk-Treasurer of the Common Council.
COUNCIL. The Common Council.
COUNTY. Clay County, Indiana.
ET SEQ. The Latin phrase meaning “and the following.”
HIGHWAY. Includes bridges, roads and streets, unless otherwise expressly provided.
I.C. The Indiana Code.
MAY. The act referred to is permissive.
MAYOR. The Mayor of Brazil, the chief executive officer.
MONTH. One calendar month.
PERSON. Extends to and includes person, persons, firm, corporation, copartnership, trustee, lessee, receiver and bodies politic. Whenever used in any clause prescribing and imposing a penalty, the terms PERSON or WHOEVER as applied to any unincorporated entity shall mean the partners or members thereof, and as applied to corporations, the officers or agents thereof.
PRECEDING and FOLLOWING. When referring to sections or divisions in this code, refer to the sections or divisions next following or next preceding that in which the words occur, unless some other section is designated.
SHALL. The act referred to is mandatory.
STATE. The State of Indiana.
TOWNSHIP. The township or townships in which the city is located.
WRITTEN and IN WRITING. Include printing, lithographing or other modes of representing words and letters. Where the written signature of a person is required, the terms mean the proper handwriting of the person, or the person’s mark.
YEAR. One calendar year, unless otherwise expressly provided.
(I.C. 1-1-4-5, 1-1-4-1) (1982 Code, § 10.04)