Selectmen push for enforcement after NHMA seminar; junkyard ordinance gives new tools

At their June 22 meeting the Mont Vernon Selectmen discussed steps to enforce the town’s newly adopted junkyard ordinance after an overview from Selectman Mike Fimbel about a New Hampshire Municipal Association seminar on code enforcement.

Fimbel said the seminar emphasized junkyards as a common compliance and public‑safety concern. He told the board the town has already succeeded in collecting attorney fees from one junkyard property. The board agreed an initial step should be to send written notice to property owners describing violations and potential penalties under the ordinance.

Chairman John Quinlan said some large properties appear to have hidden debris and possible dumping that is not visible from public ways. He said that after consulting Town Counsel earlier this year, in at least two cases the town may be able to obtain administrative warrants to gain access for inspection. The board discussed resource limits and agreed they cannot pursue every property at once, but that targeted letters and follow-up would be appropriate.

Town administrator/clerical staff assistance was discussed for distributing letters; Fimbel said he will forward the seminar notes to town staff. The board asked the Building Inspector/Code Enforcer’s attendance at the seminar; Cleary said she had not seen him to ask. Quinlan noted concerns about property values and potential soil contamination where debris accumulates and stressed safety and practical implementation when state rules affecting Class VI roads change.

The board directed staff to begin drafting a notice to property owners and to consult Town Counsel on next steps.