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Hopkinsville enforcement board enters multiple default final orders, dismisses one citation and tables towing authorization
Summary
The board entered default final orders on multiple agenda items, dismissed a citation that had been issued to the wrong owner, and postponed action on authorizing a tow while staff issues required notice.
At its July 2025 meeting the City of Hopkinsville Code Ordinance Enforcement Board entered default final orders for a series of code cases listed on the agenda, dismissed one citation after officials confirmed the vehicle had been removed and tabled a request to authorize towing until required abatement notice is delivered.
Code enforcement officer Darnell West explained the city’s process for default final orders: property owners receive a notice of violation allowing ten days to remedy or request more time; if they do not act, a second inspection is performed and a citation is issued and brought before the board. The board then approved the default final orders for the items listed as agenda items 8(b) through 8(i), assessing the fines published in the agenda plus a $100 administrative fee for each case.
On agenda item 8(a) staff told the board the citation should be dismissed because the vehicle involved had already been removed and the original citation had been sent to the wrong owner; the board voted to dismiss that citation. For the towing authorization (agenda item 8(j)), West asked the board to table the request until staff sends the required abatement/tow notice with the second citation; the board withdrew the item for now and will reconsider if the vehicle remains.
Board members also discussed broader concerns about neglected properties in Hopkinsville. Several members said vacancy, storm damage and staffing shortages have left many parcels in poor condition. A board member asked whether the city’s “lot next door” program could proactively contact neighbors about adopting or maintaining adjacent vacant lots; staff said the city runs that program and that finance and administration will see board orders when properties are liened and consider candidates for productive reuse. The mayor and city council have appropriated additional funds this year for foreclosure and property-reuse efforts, staff said, but officials cautioned the court process and large caseloads slow recovery.
Votes and procedure: the board approved the default final orders by motion and voice vote and approved the dismissal of 8(a) by motion and voice vote. The towing authorization was withdrawn subject to re-notice and will return if the required notice is sent and the vehicle remains on the property.
