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 would be able take action to clean up the property and bill the person responsible for the violation.

The charges are due in 30 days, under the proposal. If payment is not received, the city would have the option of using a collection agency.

New to the city code would the ability for the city clerk to certify to the Adams County Treasurer’s Office the confirmed amount due, and have that amount assessed on the tax rolls as a lein against the property for the current year.

The proposed ordinance was referred to the license and rules committee for review. A public hearing on the ordinance is expected in May.

The meeting was attended by 9th Legislative District Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax.

Schmick is attending a council meeting in each of the 44 municipalities in the district, which includes Adams County.

In other business, the council approved

• An agreement with Varela and Associates for Phase 2 of engineering water system improvements.

• Pay estimate No. 1 in the amount of $174,307.93 for work to date on the well No. 8 replacement project by Schneider water services.

• $46,000 for Fire Chief Joel Bell to replace self-contained breathing apparatus for fire fighters.