New Melle to mail code-violation notices; board schedules executive session to hire code enforcement officer

At the April 15 meeting the New Melle Board of Aldermen authorized mailing code-violation letters and attachments of the Nuisance Violation Ordinance to affected residents.

Alderman Brian Nelson moved to proceed with the mailings; Alderman Janet Karrenbrock seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. City Clerk Marcia Gay was assigned to mail the letters and ordinance violation attachments.

The Board also announced an executive session, including a closed session, to be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to interview applicants and select an applicant for the City’s Code Enforcement Officer position. The Board did not conduct interviews at the April 15 meeting; the April 22 session is scheduled specifically for that hiring step.

Separately, the Board noted that nine businesses had not paid their 2025 business license fees despite second notices sent in February; Mayor Steve Burt and several aldermen will approach the noncompliant businesses to remind them to renew business and/or liquor licenses.

Why it matters: Mailing formal violation notices is the city's step to enforce municipal ordinances and prompt property owners to correct nuisances. Hiring a dedicated Code Enforcement Officer would give the city an on-staff official to manage compliance and inspections.

Next steps: City Clerk Marcia Gay will mail the code-violation materials; the Board will meet in executive session on April 22 to interview candidates for the Code Enforcement Officer role and aldermen will reach out to delinquent businesses.