Residents press council on derelict, moldy properties and school-crossing safety

Two residents addressed the council during the communications-from-citizens portion of the Sept. 25 meeting.

Pam Whaley, who gave her address as 1515 Springvale Road, described a neighboring vacant house (she identified the address approximately as 1517 Springvale) with long-term utility disconnection, extensive hoarding, visible black mold, animal infestations and structural damage following flooding. Whaley said she had contacted code enforcement and the health department without satisfactory action. City Manager Miller and other staff said the city must give notice to the property owner under code, allow statutory cure periods (10–15 days), and if there is no compliance the matter may be taken to the housing commission, which has authority to order corrective action, condemnation or removal if necessary.

Aaron Oliver, 3934 South Mission Oaks Drive, said drivers illegally block school buses, perform U-turns in the school zone, and create dangerous conditions during morning and afternoon school traffic and at evening games. Oliver said he was willing to volunteer but noted city hiring rules limit volunteer enforcement; Police staff reported five applicants for crossing guard positions with several candidates entering the hiring process. Staff noted school resource officers are assigned to campus security and are not intended to perform roadway crossing duties. Staff encouraged volunteers and said the city can provide safety vests while recruitment continues.

Mayor and staff thanked the speakers and said code enforcement and police would follow up.