Falmouth City Council agreed to amend its agenda during its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 18, to name guest Steve Groh, a landlord who owns properties in the city limits. Groh expressed his frustration in the conditions of properties around the town, especially those in surrounding his own. He questioned council as to the statement that they were pursuing a process, a process he stated he sees no evidence of. He also stated that these blighted properties lead to depreciation of homes around the town. His question to council was, “Why are you allowing it?”
Mayor Ron Stinson and City Clerk Ramona Williams explained that the council has been working on strengthening the ordinances regarding property conditions. They told Groh that the ordinances had weaknesses that the council was trying to address, but those ordinances have to follow a procedure. Groh asked why properties could not be torn down, and Stinson explained that the city does not own those properties, but council is looking at setting aside funds to possibly purchase blighted properties from the owners in order to demolish them; however, demolition also takes money. When Groh asked about using those houses for fire practice, Stinson and others chimed in that that action is not lawful. He asked about attaching fines to tax bills, and Stinson and others explained that that is ineffective because many also do not pay the tax bills. Groh questioned how much was needed to jail offenders, and Attorney Brandon Voelker explained that certain things have to happen to put them in jail. The liens can be put on the tax bill, and they can go to court on the city’s lien, but the only way to do it is to issue a summons, “…and it is a useless action.” The mortgage company still has the loan, and no matter who forecloses, the city still incurs an expense because no one comes to bid on the foreclosed and blighted property.
Groh promised to return to every council meeting.
Council heard the second reading of the ordinance that drives the supplement to the code. This ordinance lays out the codification system for ordinances, and it is supplemented every five years. The ordinance was approved by the quorum that was present. Councilpersons Luke Price and Darryl Ammerman were both absent.
Council also approved Darcy Mains McKay to fill the opening on the Pendleton County Recreation Commission.
City Clerk Williams informed the council that Steven Coffey would be fabricating the new bridge light bases that are necessary to safely install the new lighting for the bridge on US 27.
In new business, Attorney Voelker asked the council to sponsor Brett Price as he corrects the text regarding setbacks on US 27. The current text regarding setbacks needs to be adjusted to accommodate the distance of most businesses on US 27 which are not complying the stated setback limits. Council approved this action unanimously.
Announcements from council include:
Operation Honor Veterans’ banners will go up the week of May 24 and when the new ones arrive. Anyone wishing to order a banner may go to the city link to find the Operation Honors link.
The end of the month large garbage day will be on Tuesday, June 1 due to Memorial Day.
City offices will be closed Monday, May 31.
The Kennett Building door replacement will being Tuesday, June 8.
The annual Daniel Boone Race will be held June 19. This is being organized by Craig Chaplin and is being held on the same day as the Pendleton County Outdoor Palooza.
The meeting was adjourned. The next caucus of Falmouth City Council will be held Tuesday, June 1, at 6:30. All public is invited to attend.
