(A) Each day shall constitute a separate violation. Any law enforcement officer or animal control officer who observes the violation of this chapter shall issue to the individual a citation and advise that such person may, within seven days from the date of such notice, pay to the Clerk-Treasurer (the Violations Clerk), as a fine for and in full satisfaction of such violation, the sum heretofore specified. Upon failure of such individual to make such payment within the seven-day period, the original fine shall increase by 50%. If this enhanced fine is not paid in full through the Clerk-Treasurer (the Violations Clerk) on or before the date and time set forth on the citation, the individual who has been issued said citation shall be subject to the general penalties provided for violations of this chapter. All fines received for violations of this chapter shall be deposited into the town's General Fund pursuant to applicable law.
(B) Failure to satisfy civil penalty, prosecution, trial for violations. A person who receives a citation for a violation may elect to stand trial for the violation by indicating on the citation his intent to stand trial and returning a copy of the citation to the Clerk-Treasurer (the Violations Clerk). The returned copy of the citation shall serve as a notice of the person's intent to stand trial, and the issuance of additional monetary fines as prescribed in this chapter shall be stayed upon receipt of the notice. The notice shall be given at least five days before the date that payment of the citation is due as set forth below. On receipt of the notice of intention to stand trial, a lawsuit may be commenced by the town or the appropriate enforcement official as provided by applicable law to enforce the terms and provisions of this chapter.
(C) If a person who receives a citation fails to do the following, the town or a designated enforcement official may file a lawsuit as provided by applicable law to enforce the terms and provisions of this chapter:
(1) Pay the assessed fine within 45 days after the issuance of a citation; or
(2) Give notice of his intention to stand trial as prescribed above.
(D) Seeking a civil penalty as authorized in this chapter does not preclude the designated enforcement entity from seeking alternative and additional relief from the court in the same action, or from seeking injunctive relief or any other remedy in a separate action for the enforcement of this chapter adopted or action taken under the Indiana Code.
(E) In the event that a violation of this chapter is determined to exist by a court of competent jurisdiction the owner shall be liable to the town for a fine as set forth in § 10.99(A) of this Town Code and the town's reasonable attorney fees and court costs.
(Ord. 2012-6, passed 5-1-12)