Hartville Law Director Says Existing Laws Address Drone Issues

HARTVILLE: Existing laws regarding trespassing, voyeurism and menacing would be sufficient to prosecute violations of personal or property boundaries committed by drone aircraft, Law Director Ronald Starkey told Village Council this week.His assessment was a response to Councilman Robert Blythe’s complaint at a previous meeting that an 18-inch-square “quadcopter” had been operating in the Cornerstone housing allotment.Starkey said he would be willing to write legislation specific to remotely controlled flying machines if requested.He also informed council Tuesday about a letter sent by residents of the Indian Village subdivision that said some property owners are violating deed restrictions by parking trailers and campers outdoors.Starkey said enforcement is not the responsibility of the village, but rather a private matter for civil action.The village will spend more for electricity but less for natural gas beginning in October.Electricity will cost 6.3 cents per kilowatt hour, up from 5.3 cents, Fiscal Officer Scott Varney said.Gas will cost $4.38 per 1,000 cubic feet, a decrease from $4.99, Mayor Richard Currie said.Nancy Molnar can be emailed at nancymolnar2002@gmail.com.