City Begins Property Cleanups

Efforts to clean up the city have reached another level, as the city received permission to tear down houses at the corner of S. 4th and Brown St.

"We have the correct structure to deal with these type of properties," said police chief Scott Johnson. "Our code enforcement officer (Rachel Pearson) chairs the Sub-Standard Housing Committee, and the committee has some funding to work with. Before, without any funding, there was no way to follow through with enforcement of violations."

"We want to try to work something out with the property owners before it goes to the committee," Pearson said. "It’s less expensive for the property owner to deal with the issues when I contact them, rather than have it go to the committee.

"The properties that were just torn down are a good example. The owner lives in the state of Washington, and was willing to work with us. The city was able to help her tear these down."

"It’s better for us and the owner that way. It’s a time consuming process for the city and the police department."

Pearson identifies properties that need to be brought up to standard and contacts owners by phone and by letter before referring properties to the committee. The committee then determines further action, whether it’s accessing fines or seizure of the property. Fines begin at $200.

Pearson cited two other properties that property owners voluntarily consented to tear down. One on N. 6th had already been torn down, and another, on S. 5th, will be soon.

Pearson also added that three other properties will be referred to the committee at the next meeting.