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Lorain committee moves nuisance-abatement ordinance to council after debate over notices and program details
Summary
A Buildings & Lands subcommittee advanced an ordinance allowing the city to assess the cost of abating nuisances (removing litter, garbage and rubbish) after staff described a 72-hour notice process, Saturday pickups and reimbursement via taxes; a council member raised concerns about due process and excessive charges.
A Lorain Buildings & Lands subcommittee voted to send a nuisance-abatement ordinance to the full council after a staff explanation of how the city’s bulk-trash/abatement program operates and council concern about due process and enforcement.
Councilwoman Spankowski told the committee she had asked that the item go to committee because of ‘‘a potential lack of due process’’ and said citations and notices had not always been clearly documented; she also said some clean-and-lean assessments seemed excessive. Spankowski asked whether proper notification and citation procedures were being followed.
Matt Kusner, Building, Housing and Planning Director, described the bulk-trash program procedures: the department receives a complaint, an inspector posts a notice on the front door giving property owners 72 hours to remove rubbish, and the Public Properties Department’s crews typically pick up only material in the public right-of-way on Saturday mornings. Kusner said this bulk-trash program differs from the clean-and-lean program and that the city seeks reimbursement for cleanup costs (often recovered when taxes are paid).
Spankowski said she appreciated the clarification but reiterated that she wants stronger enforcement to prevent buildup that attracts pests and harms neighboring properties. Councilman Narayano said many of his questions were answered and supported increased enforcement; another councilmember asked staff to acknowledge and update constituents who submit emails about cases.
A motion to send the nuisance-abatement ordinance to the full council for approval was made, seconded and passed by voice vote. The transcript records ‘‘ayes’’ but does not include a roll-call tally.
