Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Codes Public Nuisance Graffiti topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Utica council updates public-nuisance code and adopts city-run graffiti removal language
Summary
The council voted to adopt an updated public-nuisance ordinance that broadens enforcement tools and approved a city-run graffiti-notification and removal program with a nonexclusive-remedies clause added by amendment.
Utica — The Utica Common Council on Sept. 3 advanced two pieces of legislation intended to broaden the city’s enforcement tools for property neglect, illegal dumping, graffiti and other public-nuisance issues.
Council members discussed and then adopted a comprehensive update to the city’s public-nuisance code, described in the meeting as an effort to align enforcement with modern challenges including drug activity, excessive noise, property neglect and illegal dumping. The update amends the municipal code’s public-nuisance provisions and clarifies enforcement authority.
Separately, the council introduced and passed an ordinance creating a graffiti notification and removal program, and the council approved an amendment adding a subsection stating that the graffiti program “shall not be construed to exclude any other remedy provided by law for the protection of the health, safety and welfare.” That amendment received council support before the final vote.
A sponsor thanked the departments that assisted with drafting, noting input from public safety, police, fire, codes and the law department. Codes Commissioner Marcus Phillips told the council the city is prepared to take stronger steps against problem properties and that the new provisions are intended to provide additional options beyond existing tools.
Council members said they expect the administration to implement the program rather than treating the legislation as a “feel-good” measure. The ordinance language and amendment are recorded in the council minutes; the city clerk will publish the finalized ordinance text and the procedural steps for notification and removal.
The council directed staff to provide implementation details, including timelines for notifications, appeals and the roles of codes, police and public-safety staff in enforcement and contractor selection for removal work. No new dedicated budget appropriation was discussed on the floor; council members asked departments to present cost and operational plans to the council before large-scale rollout.
