Nuisance law needs updating

Courier Editorial Board

July 29, 2008 11:15 pm

— Mayor Dale Uehling got it right Monday when he told Ottumwa council members that half of his calls concerning the city’s nuisance regulations think they should be more strict and the other half of his callers want it to be more flexible.
If you have a 50-50 response like that, it probably means that the city is doing a good job.
What city officials want to do now is change the nuisance ordinance that hasn’t been updated for 40 years.
City Health Director Jody Gates said changes to the ordinance clarify that city employees are required to follow legal means when they are checking out nuisance reports at houses, garages and other buildings.
Councilman Gordon Aistrope voted approval of the first reading of the new ordinance at this week’s council session, but said he would not have if he thought citizens were denied due process.
Councilman Bob Meyers, who also voted yes, said he changed his mind after talking with Gates about findings from her department. He wants to find ways to help city staff reduce the nuisance problems due to the growing number of complaints.
Voting no were Councilmen Keith Caviness and Mitch Niner. Caviness said the new proposal was too broad and wordy and extends the health department’s power. Niner thought staff should have more training before the ordinance is changed.
Councilwoman Shannon Addison voted yes, saying that the issue needs tending to and not delayed any longer.
By voting for the changes, Uehling said it doesn’t mean that the council can’t make changes to it later on, if necessary.
The proposed updating of the nuisance ordinance requires two more readings and votes by the council before it can be enacted.
Ottumwa residents having concerns about the proposal can check it out at City Hall.