Nuisance properties are still a hot topic

RITZVILLE – Nuisance properties remained at the forefront of the City Council’s twice-monthly meeting Aug. 15.

During public comments, Jessica Quinn, a candidate for City Council Ward No. 1, shared the results of her online research of Arlington, Kennewick and Spokane nuisance ordinances.

She noted that Spokane Valley updated its municipal codes in May. That city’s revised code provided stricter rules and remedies — including receivership and explicit timelines — for dealing with chronic nuisance properties.

“I bring this to the council’s attention as an option for dealing with these types of...