Chula adopts ordinances on nuisances, utility billing and returned checks

The Chula Board of Aldermen on Jan. 13 unanimously adopted three ordinances addressing general nuisances, utility billing procedures and the city's process for handling returned checks.

The measures were introduced and read by City Clerk Ann Hamilton and approved by roll call: Aldermen Benny Simpson, Randy Hamilton, Geremy Bru and Kyle Gramenz voted yes on each ordinance.

The first ordinance, introduced as Bill Number 2025-01-01-2025, codifies definitions, abatement procedures and violations for general nuisances within the city and was accepted as Ordinance 2025-01. The board then read by title and adopted Bill Number 2025-02-01-2025 as Ordinance 2025-02, which sets the city's utility billing procedures and fees. Finally, Bill Number 2025-03-01-2025, establishing the procedure to follow after two or more checks are returned for insufficient funds, was read by title and adopted as Ordinance 2025-03.

All three votes passed 4-0. Motions to approve were made by Aldermen on the floor and seconded before each roll-call. The meeting minutes indicate a formal attorney review had occurred for the nuisance ordinance prior to the vote.

There was no substantive debate recorded on the ordinances themselves during the meeting; the board handled the measures as routine legislative business after the clerk read each bill by title. Copies of the adopted ordinances are attached to the meeting minutes.

The board also approved routine business earlier in the meeting, including prior meeting minutes and payment of presented bills. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Feb. 10, 2025.