Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Code topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Orderville adopts updated municipal code after public hearing
Summary
The Orderville Town Board voted 5–0 to adopt a revised municipal code book prepared with Sunrise Engineering. Board members said the text establishes a baseline and can be updated through standard ordinance procedures; questions remain about enforcement and timing for business-license compliance.
The Orderville Town Board voted unanimously to adopt an updated municipal code book after a public hearing and discussion about enforcement.
The update, prepared in coordination with Sunrise Engineering, was presented at the hearing by consultant Paul Anderson. "My name is Paul Anderson. I'm with Sunrise Engineering," he told the board, adding the firm had been contracted to provide the update.
Board members said having a written municipal code is an important first step that gives the town a baseline "to work off of." During discussion members repeatedly raised enforcement questions: whether long-standing, potentially nonconforming uses would be grandfathered; whether businesses could be required to meet the new code as a condition of license renewal; and who would carry out enforcement if complaints arise.
Council members said enforcement is likely to be complaint-driven rather than the result of routine canvassing of private property. One member suggested beginning enforcement through business-license renewals as a practical first step, while others said civil procedures and attorney review would be needed for some enforcement actions. The board also discussed a possible part-time code-enforcement position but expressed reluctance to create an inspection unit that would proactively visit private yards.
The board formally moved to adopt the municipal code as presented. The roll-call votes recorded in the meeting were: Susan — aye; Rory — aye; Sean — aye; Mary Anne — aye; plus one additional unnamed affirmative vote. The mayor announced, "Motion carries 5 to 0." The board noted the code is intended to be a living document and that any new or amended ordinances will follow the town's standard public-hearing process.
The board directed staff to publish the new code online, and Sunrise staff said the document references applicable state code so future state changes will be reflected. No new enforcement program was adopted at the meeting; board members said enforcement policy and timing (including whether to tie compliance to business license renewals) will be decided later, and the town attorney may be consulted for civil enforcement procedures.
Ending: The board closed the municipal-code hearing after public comment and adopted the code. Members emphasized the document provides a starting point and can be amended as issues arise, while enforcement logistics will be addressed in subsequent meetings.
