Concerns over long lawns, not allowing waivers for late dog fees
By Kayla Barnes Blanchardville’s Public Safety Committee is concerned about grass being too long in the village and those not paying their dog licenses on time at their meeting on Monday, July 27.
Board president Lanny Gilbertson brought the issue of tall overgrown lawns because his neighboring property, owned by Lyric Ozborn, has gotten significantly long and it hasn’t been maintained in some time. He also mentioned a few other properties that were brought to his attention that also have tall grass. His suggestion was that the lawns would need to be cleaned up by August 1 or they could be cited every week until they are properly maintained.
Blanchardville Police Chief Ryan Kumor stated that they usually give people a four to seven day grace period before fines were to start incurring. According to the village’s ordinance, Chapter 300 Nuisances, subsection 3G, noxious weeds cannot grow over 12 inches in height as they detract from the surrounding area and properies, become a health and fire hazard, have the potential for covering rodents and other small animals and become a hazard for vehicles line of sight. In subsection 9 C-D: Weed Control enforcement and costs, if the property owner fails to control the growth of the weeds on their property, the Weed Commissioner shall serve a notice and if the property owner fails to abate the nuisance within five days, action to abate will be taken. If the village has the weeds removed, the cost, together with an administrative fee equal to 10 percent of the actual cost, will be charged to the property owner. If the charges are not paid by Nov. 15 of the year billed, the charges and administrative fee will be added onto the next year’s tax roll as a tax charge against the property.
A question was asked as to why the village should bust up their own equipment to clean up someone else’s lawn. The issue the village has is they don’t have a designated weed commissioner. This is something the Village of Argyle just went through, appointing a weed commissioner. The village does not pay the weed commissioner. That position is paid by the fines that get paid by the property owner. Their weed commissioner uses their own equipment to do the mowing and trimming as well.
Residents at the meeting had mentioned how they have seen an increase in raccoons, rabbits, and snakes around properties that need to have their property maintained. Chief Kumor stated he has been informed of that and has seen the properties around the village that need to be dealt with but has not sent out any notices as of yet.
A motion was made by Steve Young to have notices go out after the Village Board meeting on Monday, August 3 to those properties that need to be maintained and if those properties have not been taken care of within five days, fines will incur every week until they are dealt with. Joe Cockroft made the second. The motion was passed and moved onto the village board where it was then approved and put into place.
Dog license waivers
Clerk/treasurer Kathy Drake has been dealing with dog owners not paying their licenses on time and then those people coming in and demanding that she waive the late fees.
According to the ordinance Chapter 114-6 licensing of dogs, subsection C-E, all dog licenses shall be issued for one year beginning January 1. The full license fee shall be paid for any dog more than five months of age on or before July 1 of the license year. A late fee shall be collected if the owner fails to obtain a license prior to April 1 of each year or within 30 days of acquiring ownership of a licensable dog. The village law enforcement officer can issue a citation and bring the action in Lafayette or Iowa County Circuit Court for failure to license the dog.
Drake said that people are expecting the village to waive the fees as they have been waived in the past, prior to Drake taking on the position. She said she has waived some fees due to extenuating circumstances. It has been discussed at previous board meetings that those who wish to contest their late fees should appear before the board and argue their issue. It was recommended that the board adopt that into their ordinance.
Cockroft made the motion to no longer waive late fees after March 31 and if those with late fees wish to contest that matter, they can come before the board to have their case reviewed. Greg Waldoch seconded the motion.
There were two individuals that wished to have their late fees waived. Neither of them were present at the meeting so both late fee waivers were denied.
This motion also passed at the village board meeting on August 3.
Other business
Fifty kids took part in the Cops and Bobbers event. They were able to raise $1,800 and Chief Kumor stated it was a nice day and a great first time event. All permits for the Cruise In Night and homecoming have been approved.
A request was made to check on the flashing cross walk signs at Elm and Olson street as the flashing light bar is very low and hard to see.
There was concern over the facade at 306 S. Main Street. Board members stated they found that bricks have been falling off the back side of the building. A request was to have inspector Scott Jelle come and make sure that the building is still structurally sound and that everything is safe.
Action items
These items were also approved at the village board meeting on August 3:
– the closure of Mill Street on August 14 for the Family Block Party.
– retroactive wage adjustment for swim pond staff member.
– employee evaluation processes.