Neighbors press city over neglected golf-course property; council hears code-enforcement, burn-ban and court-process limits

Multiple residents told the City Council they are concerned about an inactive golf-course property that they say has become overgrown and is inviting trespass and debris accumulation.

"The weeds are looking terrible, and it certainly isn't helping the value of any of our property in Silver Oaks," resident Mary Hamill said. Don Hamill urged the city to consider stronger action, warning of trespass and potential hazards from large piles of downed trees.

City staff and the city attorney said they have been working with the property owner, cited specific locations around ponds and holes where code enforcement has acted, and explained why immediate remedies are limited. The county has imposed a burn ban that prevents burning of piled trees, and the county attorney's office is prosecuting the underlying court action; the city attorney said contempt enforcement requires a showing of willful violation and noted that active progress by the owner can complicate contempt filings.

Staff described the standard code-enforcement sequence—notice, citation with a roughly 10-day cure period, and appearance in code court with potential additional days to comply—and said the council can pursue further options if noncompliance persists. Council members discussed no-trespassing signage and possible further engagement with the owner to secure structures and reduce hazards.

No emergency enforcement order was issued at the meeting; staff said they would continue to monitor compliance and discuss next steps with the county attorney.