Early council grants abatement extensions, orders removal after permit motion fails

The Early City Council on Sept. 7, 2021 took multiple actions on property maintenance, abatement and building permits.

Resident Mike Schmitt told the council that the house at 209 Maple Street will receive a fresh coat of paint and that a hired worker would start within the week; the council agreed to allow an extension. The council also considered a written request from John Deal for additional time to abate his garage; Councilor Steven Mason moved and Councilor Tim Langner seconded to grant an extension to Sept. 30, 2021. The roll-call vote was 4 ayes (Pickhinke, Cougill, Langner, Mason) and 1 nay (Schmitt); the motion passed.

Councilor Tim Langner moved to approve building permit #785 but the motion failed for lack of a second. The council recorded that the property owners have 10 days to remove the building and the birds or the city will remove them and assess the expenses to the property. Separately, Councilor Brian Pickhinke moved and Councilor Bill Cougill seconded approval of building permit #786; that motion passed unanimously on a show of hands.

The council was also updated about multiple parcels that remain in violation of city ordinances. The city attorney will prepare court documents for enforcement related to the listed parcel numbers.