Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press council over loose dogs and lingering code violations; council to pursue nuisance fines and attorney letter
Summary
Residents raised repeated complaints about loose dogs chasing horses and threatening livestock; council directed staff to use nuisance citations (noted $75 fee) and consider sending certified attorney letters and, if needed, arranging abatement and billing the property owner.
Residents told the Cleveland Town Council they continue to experience problems with loose dogs and other property noncompliance, and council members discussed using nuisance citations and legal letters to enforce compliance.
Lowell Gardner (S7), a resident who identified himself during public comment, asked, "I'm wondering what is what is the city's, I guess, policy or procedure for following up on noncompliance?" Gardner described animals chasing horses and snapping chickens and said he had video evidence. Council members and staff walked through the town's enforcement steps, including sending letters, setting deadlines, assessing nuisance fines and escalating to an attorney if violations continue.
Council members cited existing nuisance definitions and enforcement options. A council member noted the town can issue a nuisance citation — "So if you want to talk with him to do and then if Sandra...we're gonna need ... send them a $75 nuisance fee for their dogs," — indicating $75 as the cited enforcement amount for nuisance charges.
On property cases tied to structures (a shed tied to the estate of Frank L. Jensen was discussed), staff reviewed prior certified letters and a hearing record and recommended using attorney language already prepared by the town's counsel. Council members favored sending a certified attorney letter with a clear deadline and said the town could arrange abatement and assess costs against the property if owners do not comply. The mayor or administrator was asked to contact the town attorney to pursue next steps and to bring a specific enforcement letter and timeline back for the next council agenda.
Council asked residents to provide documentation (photos or video) and urged complainants to use formal forms so staff can build enforceable cases. The item will return to a future agenda for follow-up if respondents do not take corrective action.
