(A) Rules of interpretation. This code shall be construed by the following rules unless such 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 three or more persons shall be construed as imputing authority to a majority of such persons, unless otherwise declared in the section giving such 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.
CLERK/TREASURER. The Clerk/Treasurer of the Town Council.
COUNCIL. The Town Council of the Town of Hamilton, Indiana.
COUNTY. DeKalb County, or Steuben County, Indiana.
HIGHWAY. Includes bridges, roads, and streets, unless otherwise expressly provided.
MONTH. One calendar month.
POLICE DEPARTMENT. The Police Department of the town.
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.
TOWN. The Town of Hamilton, Indiana.
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)