For years, Iola has had what amounts to a toothless ordinance for when it comes to nuisance properties, City Administrator Matt Rehder noted.
It’s about to carry a bigger bite.
Rehder presented to City Council members Monday a proposed ordinance that would give the city an avenue to enter property to clear nuisances, and then pass those costs on to the property owner.
Up to now, the city could issue court summonses, and collect fines, but could otherwise do little to coerce property owners to get rid of those nuisances.
The nuisance enforcement process could begin with a formal notice from the city, triggered by complaints either from a code or law enforcement official, other emergency workers, or at least two private parties.
From there, the property owner would have a set amount of time to respond before the city would enter the property and clear the items in question. The ordinance would also carry an opportunity for the property owner to appeal the decision to the City Council.
Monday’s discussion covered a handful of questions Council members had with the proposal, such as why it would require two private parties to file a complaint instead of just one.
That stipulation is to prevent a single party from getting too boisterous in complaining about neighbors.
If a nuisance is egregious enough, there should be little difficulty in getting a second person to agree, noted Chase Vaughn, city counselor.
Gregg Hutton, code enforcement officer, also suggested amending a portion of the proposal regarding abandoned refrigerators, freezers or ice boxes to include all appliances.
“We don’t want them in your yard,” Hutton said.
Councilman Nich Lohman also noted the wording spelled out only the police or fire chief would be responsible for filing complaints, as well as the code enforcement officer. He suggested a slight adjustment to allow any officer under the chiefs’ employ to also be qualified complainants.
Rehder said he will bring the proposal back to the Council for ratification at its Aug. 25 meeting.
IOLA has acquired more than 11 acres of property alongside U.S. 169 for potential economic development.
Council members signed off on the deal after it was learned a joint bid with Iola Industries was accepted to purchase 11.27 acres from the John M. Powell Estate at a cost of $168,112.
Powell’s niece, Molly Flewharty of Pennsylvania, authorized the sale.
