CITY COUNCIL MEETING 05/10/10
(Nuisance Ordinance, Approved Bids, Revision of Fire Code)

City Gets Tough on Nuisance Violations
Constitution-Tribune, Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Chillicothe residents found violating the city's nuisance ordinances will need to act quickly to clean up their messes or face the possibility of fines. City council members unanimously approved changes to the city's nuisance ordinance Monday night which more clearly defines nuisances, expedites the process of removing nuisances and increases the administrative costs to the person considered to be in violation.

Discussions began last year when a complaint was filed by St. Columban Catholic Church regarding nuisance trash at a nearby apartment complex. However, ordinances at that time gave residents a minimum of 30 days to remove the nuisances, thus extending the threat to public health and safety. However, Monday night's revision hastens the process for removing nuisances. Once identified, the city's code enforcement officer will conduct an investigation then send a letter to the property owner stating the condition is considered to be a nuisance and gives the property owner seven days to either clean up the nuisance or request a hearing.

If the nuisance is not removed, the complaint could be taken to Administrator Brookshier who would determine what action should be taken. If the condition is considered a nuisance and no action has been taken to remove the nuisance, the city may request a warrant to have the nuisance removed.
In issues concerning regular trash pickup, residents failing to place unrecyclable items in Chillicothe Municipal Utilities orange trash bags may be given a notice to rebag their trash properly. If still not in compliance, CMU may pick up the trash and charge a fine to the CMU customer.

The revision also includes raising the administrative fee from $25 to $100. Additionally, if the matter goes to court, a civil penalty could be assessed to the offender.

The nuisance order addresses a number of issues, including the height of grass, weeds, and plant growth, non-licensed vehicles, fences, houses and other structures, trash, and much more.

Download/view/print Ordinance (2010-47)...

The council met at its new meeting time of 6:30 p.m. Monday in the council chambers.

Also during the meeting, the council approved bids for a street dump truck, two police cars, and a mower for the parks' department.

The council also approved an ordinance regarding its contract with the Livingston County Ambulance District which adds an automatic renewal clause.

The council also approved a revision of the 2006 International Fire Code, which changes the time of the burning ordinance from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. to the daylight times of dawn to dusk. The revision was recommended by the fire chief and would be in effect year-round.

Mayor Chuck Haney presided over Monday night's meeting with the full council present. Also Monday, the council:

• Confirmed the mayor's recommendation of appointing Larry Gatson to the Housing Board;
• Approved the payment of invoices, $193,727.46, and payroll, $126,195.23;
• Approved moving the next council meeting to May 24 rather than on May 31, which is Memorial Day.

The council approved the hiring of three individuals during an executive session. Those hired are for part-time position of assistant city treasurer (TBA), clubhouse manager at the Green Hills Golf Course (Dave Mapel), and a maintenance employee for the street department (Daniel Hayes).