St. Marys council ponders cleanup rules

ST. MARYS - City council's Streets and Sidewalk Committee members on Monday discussed ways to deal with junk vehicles, improper parking and temporary storage containers in their ongoing effort to get some residents to clean up their properties.

"I think the process is going in the right direction, really," member John Bubp said. "We're looking at each item step by step, and that's what we need to do to make sure things are covered."

Bubp first called for the series of meetings earlier this summer to consider possible new ordinances, stronger enforcement efforts or some other solution to get a better handle on the poor condition of some properties.

Committee members on Monday asked if an ordinance is in place to allow for enforcement of unlicensed or disabled vehicles parked on open property. Safety service director Greg Foxhoven said there is.

"Some people simply aren't aware that they can't have an unlicensed or disabled vehicle on their property," Foxhoven said. "Some are aware but simply don't care and will leave it there until they are told to move it."

Foxhoven also said out of 200-225 notices of noncompliance given in a year for junk vehicles, the vast majority of residents take care of the issue legally.

"The goal is always compliance," he said.

Committee members also questioned the legality of residents' parking licensed, non-junk vehicles in their yards. Officials said the junk vehicle ordinance does not cover working, licensed vehicles. Members agreed this practice should be stopped and asked law director Kraig Noble and assistant law director Zach Ferrall to research ordinances in other municipalities. Noble agreed and said he also would draft a possible ordinance for council members to consider.

Noble also will research and draw up possible legislation covering prolonged use of large storage containers. Bubp said he understood the need for people to use a temporary container while completing a remodeling project or doing other major work, but he wants to stop the units from being used as permanent storage. The proposed ordinance likely will include a specific time limit for keeping a container on a property.

Members agreed officials should look into raising the minimum fine for violators. Citations for on-street parking violations carry a $1 fine. Most members agreed the fine should be more of a penalty than an inconvenience for those committing violations. Noble said he would take that matter under advisement.

Committee members will meet again, likely in September, to discuss how the city deals with abandoned houses. They also will look at any new legislation Noble draws up and any other issues they think necessary. Bubp said once any new ordinances are in place, committee members will consider possible ways to better enforce these laws.