The Logansport Board of Public Works and Safety on Sept. 24 directed a property cleanup at 511 Schultz Street, approved an appeal for 210 Cole Street with a condition of no code violations for six months, and agreed to table action on 501 Northern Avenue until Oct. 22 at the request of the property owner's attorney.

Randy, a city code official, said the cleanup for 511 Schultz had been tabled at a prior hearing on Sept. 17 while the property owner worked to remove debris; the owner did not complete the cleanup and the city moved forward to order removal. "We're just gonna go ahead and order the cleanup and finish it," Randy said. The board voted to approve that cleanup order.

Maria Garay appeared to speak for the owners of 210 Cole Street and appealed a fine placed on Aug. 27. The board heard that the property had multiple violations from earlier in the summer related to discarded mattresses and trash. Board members approved the appeal on the condition that there be no further violations for six months; the board warned that a subsequent violation could reinstate fines and lead to penalties up to $1,000.

On 501 Northern Avenue, staff said an attorney emailed before the meeting saying the property owners were in bankruptcy and asked the board to table the cleanup until after a bankruptcy hearing scheduled for Oct. 15; the board agreed to table the item until Oct. 22 so the owners could appear.

Board members emphasized owner responsibility for upkeep of rental properties, especially when owners live out of state, and encouraged owners to install cameras and monitor tenants to reduce illegal dumping. The board recorded unanimous votes on the motions recorded during the enforcement portion of the agenda.

The board's action on 511 Schultz moves the case to city-directed cleanup; staff will proceed with the ordered removal. The appeal approval for 210 Cole Street was granted with the explicit condition of no violations for six months; if violations recur the prior fines could be reinstated and larger fines applied.