Mayor signals code-enforcement filing; council discusses systematic cleanup of blighted city lots

After public comments about an overgrown, debris-filled city lot that a resident said threatened his daughter’s safety, Mayor Kester said he planned to file a code-enforcement complaint against the City of Perry for that parcel. Councilors discussed the city’s code-enforcement process, sale and cleanup options and whether additional resources or policy changes are needed to address recurring blight on multiple lots.

Council members and staff reviewed the normal process: a resident files a complaint, the city’s code-enforcement officer inspects and contacts the owner, the owner is given an opportunity to comply, and if noncompliance persists the matter is referred to the special magistrate, which may impose fines. The city attorney noted that the council (as a governing body) has authority over property sales and also noted constraints on the city acting in its own capacity where conflicts or voting limitations may arise if a council member is a party to a complaint.

Several councilors urged more systematic action to remove hazards such as fallen trees and rodent infestations. Staff and the city attorney suggested compiling a list of outstanding code-enforcement fines and pending cases so the council could prioritize the city’s response and consider options including targeted cleanups, sale to private buyers willing to clear properties, or more active enforcement. Council members also discussed funding limitations and the need for economy-of-scale approaches rather than ad-hoc single-lot interventions.

No new city-wide cleanup program was approved at the meeting; councilors asked staff to prepare an inventory of problem lots and to report options and costs for targeted remediation, potential grants, or enforcement strategies.