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Council tables proposed change to weed‑abatement timeline after debate over notice and appeals
Summary
An ordinance that would shorten the city’s weed/grass abatement notice window was discussed March 18 and tabled for revision after debate about mailing, appeals timing and whether the period should be five, seven or remain 10 days.
The City Council on March 18 tabled an ordinance that would change Michigan City's rules on removal of weeds, grass and rank vegetation to shorten the notice/abatement period. After a lengthy discussion that included the city forester, public commenters and council members, the motion to table carried 6‑3.
City Forester Michael Wolf, co‑author of the amendment, told the council staff surveyed other municipalities and found that a five‑day abatement period was common in nearby towns. “On a 5 day abatement period, Gary, Portage, Lake Station, Hobart, East Chicago, and Griffith all carry a 5 day abatement period,” Wolf said.
Several council members and members of the public urged caution. Resident Paul Przybylinski noted that Michigan City’s existing 10‑day period has been in place since 2014 and urged clearer notice procedures. “I wanna remind the council that the 10 days has been in effect since 02/2014, and it seems it's been working well until now,” he said. Scott Mellon, a neighborhood association member, recommended dual notice (mail plus posted flyer or sticker) and asked whether the measure referred to calendar days or business days.
Councilwoman Krystlewski proposed an amendment setting a seven‑day, consecutive‑day window to ensure weekend days are included so residents have a practical opportunity to appeal or comply. Council members agreed the ordinance language needed clarification on how notices are served (mail vs. door hanger), whether time is counted as calendar or business days, and how appeals are filed and recorded.
A motion to table the ordinance for redrafting and clarity passed 6‑3. Council members said staff would return with clarified language (including explicit wording about consecutive days and notice procedures) at a future meeting.
