| Richmond
creates citizen board to hear 'nuisance' complaints
By Jena Stout
February 23, 2007 | The Richmond City Council passed
a "nuisances" ordinance appointing a board of citizens
to deal with complaints from the community.
On Tuesday night the council had much debate over the
correct wording of the ordinance so that it was specific
to citizens' needs and wants.
"Whenever we pass an act like this we have to make
sure the rights of the homeowners are protected," said
Councilwoman Terrie Wierenga. The council agreed to
follow in the footsteps of surrounding towns such as
Smithfield to have an act that deals with the various
complaints of citizens in an efficient way.
In order to do so Mayor Hall decided the best possible
solution would be to appoint a board of five to act
as an inspector's board.
Citizens with complaints will come before the board
to present their cases. If the case is not settled with
the board it would then be presented to the council.
Most common complaints consist of scenarios such as
waste piles, stray animals, tenant problems and noise
complaints. The board will respond either with a written
complaint to the person or a fine. However, an opportunity
will be given for readdress with the board if citizens
feel wrongly accused.
Council members such as Brad Jensen feared certain
wording of the clause would bring up issues with some
of the farmers in town.
"I'm worried about removal of vegetable waste. I know
a lot of people use it as compost for their crops and
they would have a problem," commented Jensen.
Wierenga also stated the word "animals" should be
changed to "livestock" to prevent future questions of
what animals would include.
City Manager Marlowe Atkins will be revising the changes
and should have a completed version by the next meeting.
The council will be accepting applications, and making
suggestions at the next city council meeting for possible
members.
The board will be overseen by a member of the council
who is yet to be decided. Applications will go to Marlowe
Atkins at the city building.
The next city council meeting will be March 6 at the
Richmond City Building.
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