The Code Enforcement Committee sent three proposed ordinances to the Blytheville City Council, Thursday night.
The first measure would set mowing fees between $165-660, with a $10 per day charge on fees not paid when the city mows a cited property.
Grass can be no taller than 10 inches, per Ordinance 1626. The proposed ordinance says the city will give the property owner a seven-day notice and on the eight day will clean up the property.
The city will invoice the property owner to go along with the citation.
Another proposed ordinance would require dumpsters to be behind a minimum 6 foot fence and, where feasible, moved to the back of the business. Violators would be fined between $100-150.
"All bulk trash container (dumpsters) used to service multi-unit residential buildings, commercial, and industrial uses must be screened on all sides by approved fencing materials to create a permanent sight obstructing fence with a minimum height of 6 feet," the proposed measure reads. "One side of the storage area may be furnished with an opaque, lockable gate. No fencing is required when the applicant can demonstrate to Code Enforcement officers that all trash facilities will be enclosed within a principal building or within an accessory structure such as a garage. Where feasible, all dumpsters and trash containers must be located behind a building and set back so refuse trucks are completely off the public right-of-way when servicing the facility."
Assistant police chief Ricky Jefferson told the committee that there have been issues with some apartment dumpsters, which had items like mattresses placed to the side and in some cases spilling into the street.
The other proposed ordinance would prohibit blowing grass clippings/raking leaves into the street.
Jefferson noted the clippings clog up storm drains, causing a drainage issue.
A violator could be fined between $250-500.
In other business, the board approved the sale of three properties.
Sharon Clarke bid $1,000 each on the Pharo and 9th Street properties; and Desmond Hamette bid $50 for the 2109 Peabody vacant lot.
Meanwhile, Jefferson reported on several lighting projects.
He said Code Enforcement generated 378 cases in September, cleared 472 and issued 22 citations and 60 notices. The department created 35 work orders last month.
Jefferson also told the board that he expects the new code enforcement truck to arrive before Christmas.
Code Enforcement officers reminded the board about their Facebook page, which posts ordinances already on the books.
Meanwhile, Animal Control officer Terrie Gaines reported that her department had 62 calls, picked up 14 animals, euthanized two and made six trips to the landfill last month.
Also Thursday night, Barbara McAdoo Brothers asked if she and a friend could assist in mowing city properties. Board members said they would check on the legalities.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com