Blytheville assistant police chief Marvin Crawford plans to beef up enforcement of the inoperable vehicle law by adding that responsibility to city building inspector Rick Ash.
Tuesday, Crawford, who oversees code enforcement, told the City Council's Code Enforcement Committee that once Ash returns from a health-related leave of absence he will assist code enforcement officer Jim Graham on the streets.
"Right now I've got Jim jumping through hoops and the numbers reflect that," Crawford said.
Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson noted there are several steps in removing inoperable vehicles, which are defined by statute.
Councilman John Musgraves, who chairs the committee, said some may feel the city shouldn't take their vehicles, even if they aren't operable.
"That's a thin line we're crossing," Musgraves said.
Crawford said along with the beautification aspect, the vehicles pose a health and sanitation hazard.
"When you choose to live in the city limits, you agree to live by certain rules," Councilwoman Missy Langston said.
Crawford pointed out having inoperable vehicles in the backyard violates code the same as having one in the front yard for all to see.
"We're talking about going in somebody's backyard and removing their vehicle," Musgraves said. "That's a concern I have because I wouldn't want you coming in my backyard."
Crawford said there is a notification process and violators have "a clear understanding what's going to happen if you don't take care of this issue."
Musgraves said he understands the reasoning behind removing vehicles from front yards, he is just concerned about going into residents' backyards.
Crawford explained just as the front and back have to be mowed, they have to be free of inoperable vehicles.
"You may not get as many complaints from the backyard," Thompson said, though it's still illegal.
The chief said if someone wants a salvage yard, he can buy property outside the city limits. The person could build a storage facility for the vehicle as well, Thompson said.
Also Tuesday, Langston suggested the city begin placing signs on properties to show residents the problem areas have authorities' attention.
She said "some very community-focused people" are discouraged, wanting to see more results in code enforcement.
Langston said placing signs, similar to political ones, on those properties would show neighbors that the city has identified the problem.
"I want to show the citizens of Blytheville that code enforcement is working, whether it's a house that's condemned, allowed to be overgrown," Langston said. "We have identified this and we're working on it."
Responding to Langston, Thompson said legally, the city could post signs on the properties.
"We still have a long way to go in code enforcement, but from where we were six months ago, we've made a lot of strides," Thompson said.
Crawford gave the board several statistics to support that.
"I think Jim has done a great job with the citations he's issued," Musgraves said.
Crawford noted the city needs more manpower in code enforcement. Though community service and Arkansas Department of Corrections crews have helped, they are supplemental labor, he said.
Thompson added the department needs two additional code enforcement officers and a work crew attached to them to clean up the properties.
Responding to Langston, Thompson said the city doesn't assume responsibility for properties it condemns.
He said Blytheville should put money in drainage and streets to attract investors to fix up the private properties.
"I feel the first priority is the city property to look pristine and well-manicured, the lots and various locations we have," Councilman Stan Parks said. "We've got to set the example for the citizens. I don't think we need to be in the mowing business, mowing people's properties. People don't pay their taxes to be spent on mowing other people's property."
Meanwhile, the committee also briefly discussed the proposed permit fees, slated for third and final reading, then vote Tuesday night at the City Council meeting.
Committee members noted they have not heard any concerns about the potential change.
According to the proposed fee schedule, the new construction permits for residential would total $662.50 for a 2,125 square foot home -- $25.30 per square foot for all permits.
For commercial, permits for a 15,000 square foot facility would total $4,550 -- $50.30 per square foot.
The permits for a 50,225 industrial facility would be $15,142.50 under a $75.30 rate.
As for renovations, the proposed fee schedule is as follows:
-- Residential: permit, $10; cost per thousand, $2; all inspections, $20; sewer connection, $20; meter loop, $5; gas per 10 outlets, $5; HVAC per unit, $2; plumbing per five fixtures, $5. Commercial: permit, $15; cost per thousand, $5; all inspections, $25; sewer connection, $30; meter loop, $7.50; gas per 10 outlets, $7.50; HVAC per unit, $5; plumbing per five fixtures, $10. Industrial: permit, $20; cost per thousand, $5; all inspections, $30; sewer connection, $40; meter loop, $10; gas per 10 outlets, $10; HVAC per unit, $10; plumbing per five fixtures, $15.
After hours renovations inspections would add $20 for residential, $30 for commercial and $40 for industrial.
Holiday and weekend inspection fee is $75 plus $25 per hour after the first hour.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com