City Looks At Property Upkeep

Ordinance #830, which updated the city code relating to Unsafe Buildings and Property Maintenance, generated some strong opinions at the Kimball City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 16. The new ordinance attempts to link the unsafe buildings and nuisance codes.

The new ordinance addresses unsafe structures and property maintenance. It also sets minimum standards for what constitutes a safe home.

City Attorney Matt Turman explained that the government cannot deprive someone of life, liberty and property without due process. The ordinance and codes are designed to provide for due process.

A number of citizens expressed concern with the approval of this type of ordinance.

Julia Gehrig questioned why there were no programs to help homeowners fix up their properties and asked about some of the terminology in the statute.

Ann Warner’s concern was for the poor person whose house is mediocre and said, “So I think you should be really careful about kicking people out of their home if they are paying their own bill, and you don’t want to support them from now on, you better be protective of them.”

Kathy Porter voiced thoughts about how to recoup money from homeowners should repairs be needed and then said, “If somebody can’t afford to fix their property, you know, maybe they want to. But they just can’t. And what if it got to the point where you did have to get them out of there for their safety? Where are they going to go? Are you prepared to provide housing assistance for them?”

The council voted to approve amending Title XV, Chapter 150.025 through 150.046, repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith and providing for an effective date hereof by unanimous vote, thereby waiving the three readings.

Meanwhile, City Council member Don Muench resigned his seat effective Sept. 1, and the council accepted his resignation.

Mayor John Morrison suggested that people contact him if they want to serve in that seat. He said, “All I asked for from anybody that serves on this council is that they have the welfare of Kimball in mind.”

Morison said that cemetery board members are needed, and there are openings on the planning commission.

Other issues discussed at the council meeting were the Clean Harbors apartments’ sewer and water lines project, which continues with another week of closures.

No date has been set for the pool closing, but plans are being made for the annual doggie dive.

A public hearing was held for the rezoning of a parcel of land owned by Mike Downey. Downey plans on selling 2.591 acres, which would then be used for storage units. The zoning of the parcel will go back to the planning commission for discussion.

The council approved a minimum bid and surplus sale and removal of five pieces of playground equipment from City Park.

The contract for City Administrator Anette Brower was moved up on the agenda. The term of the contract was for 3 years, then month to month, and the compensation in the package was a 3% increase. Council member Creg Pike wanted to see a 5% increase for her, but with that suggestion the council went into executive session. Once out of executive session, the city administrator’s contract passed with the 3% increase.