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Waynesfield council adopts stricter junk‑vehicle ordinance, orders abatements for two properties
Summary
The village adopted Ordinance 25‑5‑1 tightening rules on junk and abandoned motor vehicles and approved emergency abatements for properties at 205 West Malbury Street and 404 North Westminster Street after repeated code violations.
The Waynesfield Village Council on a unanimous majority vote adopted a new ordinance defining and strengthening enforcement of rules against junk and abandoned motor vehicles and authorized emergency abatements for two properties the council found in violation.
Council debated the ordinance’s definition of a “junk motor vehicle,” appeals procedures and allowances for residents restoring project vehicles. Code enforcement officer Nathan explained the process for owners to appeal an enforcement notice to the zoning board of appeals, and said appeals will be heard after training for the board. Nathan told council that vehicles with current license plates and obvious operability typically do not meet the junk‑vehicle definition, but partially dismantled vehicles and those missing essential drivetrain components can qualify.
After suspending the three‑reading rule, council adopted Ordinance 25‑5‑1. Mayor Luma called the roll; Councilmember Fox voted No on the ordinance, while Councilmembers Ball, Nicholls (Lisa Nicholls), Miller and Walty voted Yes.
Following the ordinance debate, staff presented photographic evidence and timelines for two properties that had failed to comply with prior notices. For 205 West Malbury Street, code enforcement presented photos showing tall grass and piles of debris and recommended abatement; council suspended readings, declared an emergency and passed Resolution 25‑6‑1 to abate the property and authorize billing the owner, with the option to assess unpaid abatement costs to property taxes. For 404 North Westminster Street council reviewed recent cleanup followed by renewed trash accumulation and passed Resolution 25‑6‑2 authorizing abatement if the owner does not remedy the violations.
Nathan said abatement work would be procured and funded from the village general fund, with the village seeking reimbursement from the owner or by placing a lien on the property if costs are unpaid. The administrator said village staff would be present to provide security while contractors perform abatement work.
Councilmembers and staff stressed that owners retain appeal rights: property owners may appeal enforcement notices to the zoning board of appeals within the time frame specified in the notices, and the appeals board may grant additional time where appropriate. Several properties in the packet showed compliance progress and were tabled for review at the next meeting.
Action and next steps: the ordinance is now in effect; the village will proceed to hire contractors to abate the two properties if owners do not bring them into compliance. Any abatement bills not paid by owners may be placed on property tax bills at transfer of title, per county process.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 25‑5‑1 (junk/abandoned vehicles) — Fox: No; Ball: Yes; Nicholls: Yes; Miller: Yes; Walty: Yes (ordinance adopted). Resolution 25‑6‑1 (abatement 205 West Malbury Street) — adopted as emergency. Resolution 25‑6‑2 (abatement 404 North Westminster Street) — adopted as emergency.
