Nuisance problems discussed
Discussion of nuisance properties, inoperable vehicles, and residential tree trimming occupied much of the Peabody City Council's attention at its Monday night meeting.
Deb Buser, health and safety officer for the city, reviewed a list of approximately a dozen properties in Peabody in varying stages of non-compliance with city ordinances.
Most of the property owners have been sent official notification of their violations, but few have responded or done the work required to bring their property in line with the demands of the council.
Buser and the council requested some research from City Attorney Audie Strotkamp on specific properties and moved ahead on others to begin hearings to take legal action against the owners.
Mayor Randy Dallke reported the police department is still targeting inoperable vehicles within the city limits.
Residents are reminded that vehicles parked on the street must have a current valid license tag. The owner can be ticketed without being given a warning.
The council also heard a report that trees in residential areas are being trimmed at no cost to homeowners if the branches are hanging over the street.
Most of the trees trimmed so far are around the grade school where the buses travel. Trees on other streets that serve as bus routes will be taken care of as time permits.
A report was made of the progress being made by city employees clearing out several ditches and drainage areas. The drainage culvert at Plum and Fifth has been cleared, as well as the ditch area across from the fire department.
The council also:
— conducted an executive session for the purpose of discussing acquisition of property. No action was taken on return to open session.
— heard the left-over yellow spray paint city crews used to use to touch up traffic stripes was sold to USD 398.
— decided to wait for the next round of available grants to re-submit an application for assistance on resurfacing several of the streets in Peabody.
— went into executive session for an hour for the purpose of discussing personnel. No business was conducted on return to open session.
