HERMANN – Hermann officials again are taking up the battle against nuisance properties – this time bolstered by a pair of direct appeals from residents.

A set of proposed ordinance amendments covering nuisances ranging from unlicensed vehicles to debris on porches and the height of grass and weeds was unveiled Oct. 26 during the board of aldermen’s (BOA) second regular session of the month. The proposals came out of an ad hoc panel formed recently to take another look at the city’s codes regarding properties that pose and eyesore and possible health and safety hazards.

Alderman Jim Schirmer led the panel that included Alderman Ash Geers and other city government officials.

But before the aldermen took up the proposed legislation, residents Luci Valbueno and Becky Buell stood at the podium and asked the officials to take action on nuisance properties.

Valbueno said she hopes the city will enforce existing ordinances regarding conditions of properties near her residence on West 15th Street. She pointed to derelict properties, messes made by dogs on the sidewalk and debris. She mentioned that small children live nearby and are fearful of the dogs that are kept within reach of the sidewalk. “Recently, I have called the police on numerous times,” Valbueno said. “I encourage you to, please, do something about it.”

Buell and her husband in recent years bought a parcel on 8th Street across from a dump site. The properties on the street have become a nuisance. She told aldermen she’s surprised the city hasn’t acted to force a clean-up of the properties.

“With Hermann being a tourism town, it blows my mind (nothing has been done),” Buell said. “We want to live on a nice street.”

Mayor Bruce Cox told the residents that the ad hoc committee appointed recently is aimed at dealing with the problems they were pointing out.

Indeed, the panel is recommending several changes to the code regarding restrictions and enforcement in dealing with nuisance properties. Commanding much of the BOA’s attention was language dealing with unlicensed vehicles and their placement at a residence, as well as other “equipment” left in the open in the various zoning districts. There was a discussion about the definition of “equipment” and whether it applied to something as small as a lawn mower left out in view of the public.

One sticking point was the all-encompassing requirement regarding zoning districts. “It shall be unlawful to park or store an unlicensed or inoperable vehicle or any part or component thereof or any other type of machinery, equipment, junk or debris of any type on any lot or tract in any zoning district,” the proposal said. But it was pointed out that while the effort was focused primary on residential districts, the language, as proposed would apply to all district, include industrial districts which might be expected to have equipment sitting outside a covered area.

For that matter, the existing requirement that an unlicensed or inoperable vehicle be kept in a fully enclosed structure (such as a garage) would be removed from the section of city code, meaning a person with a vehicle being restored, or not properly licensed, would have to find a place to store the vehicle or equipment.

The mayor voiced concern about requiring an unlicensed vehicle to be kept in a garage. He asked how that would treat neighbors, one of whom has a garage and one who doesn’t. The one without a garage might be the home of someone restoring a vehicle, he said. “I want to make sure the city is clean and beautiful, but I don’t want to be a burden on families that are...trying to live.”

There was discussion about just who would enforce the nuisance ordinances. Alderman Dolores Grannemann sought clarification on who the responsible official would be. It was determined that the city’s building inspector would be in that role, with the ability to designate someone else. Under the process, if administrative efforts fail to resolve a nuisance, it can result in the issue being taken up in Municipal Court. The proposed amendments contain hefty fines for continued violations of the nuisance ordinances.

That raised another question for officials to consider: Who is the target of enforcement actions, the resident or the property owner? Police Chief Marlon Walker noted that some property owners, especially those who live out of the area, might not be interested in making sure the property doesn’t become a nuisance. The police chief suggested the property owner be the focus of abatement efforts, not the renter of the property.

Geers said the aim of the proposed legislation is to “throw a wide net” covering offenders and “not to have our code enforcement officer going around with a ruler,” a reference to possibly setting a new height limit for grass and weeds.

The proposed amendments were taken under advisement by the BOA.

Meanwhile, in other matters, Public Works Director Jesse Geltz reported that a leak in a water line was found under the concrete decking at the Hermann Swimming Pool. He said the options are being considered for making the necessary repairs.

Tourism & Economic Development Director Tammy Bruckerhoff reported that many businesses have told her they have enjoyed record-breaking sales during this year’s Oktoberfest. That news was tempered, however, by her announcement that this year’s Arts & Crafts Fair at the Hermann Middle School will be the last such event sponsored by the Hermann Brush & Palette Club.

Bruckerhoff also noted that Hermann has housed seven tour bus groups so far this year with another seven scheduled to arrive by year’s end. Several already are scheduled for next year, she told the board.

City Administrator Patricia Heaney reminded residents that this fall’s large trash drop-off date is Saturday, Nov. 7. The drop-off site is the parking area on Gutenberg Street. Those dropping off items should have a document such as a utility bill to verify they live in Hermann, she said.