HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.26.2009 (2)• •
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
May 26, 2009
5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Getty, Hart, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie Schmitt Cole.
Members absent: Greenwood.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Hart that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five.
Absent: Cole. Greenwood. Motion carried.
Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt explained the change to the Code of Ordinances pertaining to
the height of weeds, vines, brush grass and noxious weeds. The height could not exceed eight
inches on any lot or parcel of ground that has a residential zoning classification.
Councilperson Getty stated that he is concerned about the height of grass allowed in the city,
and that he feels 12 inches is too long in residential areas. Councilperson Getty stated that he
suggested that it be changed to be compatible with neighborhoods.
Councilperson Cole now present at 5:07 p.m.
Councilperson Getty noted there is one staff person at Waste Management Services who works
Tuesday through Saturday. By the time this staff person receives the complaint, looks at the
property, sends the ten-day notice, the grass has grown even higher before the city hires
someone to mow it. This is all done on a complaint basis only. Councilperson Getty suggested
moving enforcement of the tall grass ordinance to code enforcement.
Councilperson Welper stated he is not opposed to changing it to 8 inches in residential areas,
but it sounds to him that we have a problem with the process and should look at the process.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, explained that if the we change the height to 8 inches,
the city would need an exemption for the flood control area. The flood control area is mowed
monthly and meets the standards of the Corps.
Councilperson Getty stated that he asked that the language say compatible with the
neighborhood. Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt noted that Chris Wendland said that the word
compatible is subjective and would not be defendable in court. Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt
stated it sounds like the process needs to be changed and moved to code enforcement.
Councilperson Cole stated that it makes sense that anyone who works for the city would be
reporters for violations and could jot down the address and report it, which would speed up the
process.
Mayor Pro Tem will set up another ordinance committee meeting, have Larry Smith and
Sharon Spears attend and review the process. The committee will also discuss the suggestion
to move enforcement of this nuisance to Code Enforcement.
With no further business before the committee, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Cole that
the meeting be adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Greenwood. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk