HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.15.2009• •
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
June 15, 2009
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Cole, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Welper, Reggie Schmitt.
Members absent: Steve Schmitt.
Moved by Hart, seconded by Greenwood that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Steve Schmitt. Motion carried.
Councilperson Reggie Schmitt reviewed proposed changes to Chapter 3, Vegetation, Article B,
Weeds of the Waterloo Code of Ordinances. All weeds, vines, brush, grass and noxious weeds
exceeding a height of 8" on any lot or parcel of ground that has a residential zoning classification
would be declared a nuisance, which is a change from the current 12" height. Code
Enforcement has been added as having authority to declare an area as a nuisance.
The first nuisance notice given in a calendar year shall demand abatement of the nuisance within
five (5) calendar days from the date of mailing. Notices issued to the same property in the same
calendar year shall be delivered by posting on the property and by first class mail and shall
demand abatement of the nuisance within three (3) days from the date of posting and mailing.
The days shall be measured in calendar days, excluding Sundays and any federal holidays.
Property owners will be charged an administrative fee of $100.00 if more than one notice is
issued for the same street address in the same calendar year. For each and every subsequent
abatement for the same street address in the same calendar year, the administrative fee will be
$300.00.
Councilperson Getty stated he would like the language for the height to be "compatible" with the
neighborhood in residential areas rather than 8" high. Councilperson Reggie Schmitt stated that
Chris Wendland says "compatible" is too subjective and would be hard to defend in court.
Councilperson Greenwood asked if enforcement is on a complaint basis or could we have a more
proactive review. Councilperson Reggie Schmitt stated that the process has to go through Code
Enforcement of Waste Management Services because we need to take photographs, issue the
citation and go through the notification process.
It was the consensus of the council members to move the proposed changes to the council
agenda.
With no further business before the committee, it was moved by Hart, seconded by Greenwood
that the meeting be adjourned at 4:41 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Steve Schmitt Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk