Attorney puts 'teeth' in ordinance

RIZTVILLE – The City Council discussed amending the nuisance ordinance of the city code during its April 19 meeting.

The ordinance applies to unsightly or unsanitary conditions on property within the city.

Some council members and Mayor Linda Kadlec believe the existing ordinance does not have enough “teeth,” they said, particularly when it comes to abatement of infractions after a show cause hearing. City Attorney John Kragt, who is also the city attorney for Colfax, has been working on the updates including proposed changes to the handling of abatement costs.

Under proposed changes, the city...