City cracks down on overgrown properties with fines

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing issues with two properties cited for overgrowth and debris violations. The properties, one located at 716 and the other on Wedgwood, were initially flagged for being overgrown, with a courtesy notice sent out on April 4. While some work was completed on the 716 property, the Wedgwood property remained largely unaddressed, prompting further action.

On April 24, a notice of violation was issued due to the continued overgrowth and the presence of a boat and trailer on the property. City officials noted that despite attempts to communicate with the property owners, there was no response to the mailed notices, which raised concerns about the effectiveness of the mail system. A notice of hearing was subsequently posted at the property, although the posting faced challenges due to wasp nests at the front of the house.

The city is now requiring the property owner to cut back grass and weeds to a height of less than twelve inches and to remove all non-living debris, including the previously cited boat and trailer. Failure to comply within 30 days could result in fines of $250 per day until the issues are resolved.

A recent reinspection revealed that while the boat and trailer had been removed and some debris cleared, the property remained overgrown. The city plans to continue monitoring the situation to ensure compliance with local ordinances. The meeting also touched on zoning regulations concerning the trailer, confirming that the removal aligns with residential zoning codes.