Board orders property cleanup at 1410 Smead Street pending fence-permit resolution; code enforcement reports dozens of notices

The Logansport City Board of Public Works and Safety voted June 25 to order a property cleanup at 1410 Smead Street, pending resolution of an unpermitted fence that staff said prevents verification of the work inside the enclosure.

Code enforcement officer Cody Forsman reported the department's weekly activity before the item: the office issued 24 new trash notices, cleared 53 properties, had 51 pending, sent one notice to appear, ordered two property cleanups, tagged three additional vehicles, issued four citations, and towed five vehicles. Forsman also said there remain 26 vehicles pending and 22 first notices for grass.

On 1410 Smead Street, staff said trash and debris led to prior notices; the property owner has erected a fence without a permit that now obstructs the right of way view and prevents staff from confirming whether the camper and debris have been removed. Staff said someone appears to be living in the camper; building department records show no permit for the fence.

Staff recommended ordering the cleanup so work could proceed once the property is accessible. Board members discussed fines and procedural options; staff noted a $30 citation can be issued for the camper and a $100 notice-to-appear fine had not been paid. Deputy Mayor Jacob Ponceau moved to order the cleanup, with the order to proceed once the fence permit issue is resolved and the property is accessible; the motion passed with yes votes recorded from Levi Jones and Jacob Palmaso.

Staff said further enforcement could include planning or unsafe-structure penalties if the fence and access issues persist; no specific dollar fines beyond the $30 camper citation were imposed during the meeting.