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Code enforcement limits prompt discussion of nuisance ordinance changes and escrow on burned properties
Summary
Township code enforcement said four problem properties have exceeded available enforcement under current nuisance and junk ordinances; the board discussed drafting ordinance changes and declined to adopt a proposed 10% insurance escrow rule after public objection.
Salem Township's Code Enforcement Officer, Fred Cecchini, told the board he has been working for two years on four properties where the current nuisance and junk ordinance limits enforcement ability due to vacant, debris‑filled lots and properties where owners have died.
Cecchini said the current ordinance language is "very simple and open ended" and that the township may need amended authority to pursue court‑ordered abatement when properties are abandoned and create public health concerns such as rats and accumulated trash. The board discussed the possibility of amending the ordinance to allow legal abatement through the courts in those situations.
The board also raised and then did not adopt an ordinance proposed to collect 10% escrow of insurance proceeds after a house fire; several residents at the meeting objected, saying "it is not our money." The supervisors decided not to take action on that escrow measure at this meeting.
Separately, the board noted the Building Code Official vacancy created by Dave Jobe's resignation and authorized advertising to fill the position; supervisors said a special meeting would be needed to appoint a replacement quickly because of pending permit work.
