LEESBURG – The Leesburg Town Council approved action against homes in violation of the grass and refuse ordinance as well as action against a home in violation of animal ordinance.
Street Commissioner Brandon Queen informed the council that there were several houses in violation of the town’s grass and refuse ordinance. The properties in violation are 106 E. Prairie St., 108 E. Prairie St, 209 E. Prairie St., 203 E. Prairie St., 200 Old 15, 309 E. Van Buren St., 204 Plum St., 206 Plum St., 106 W. VanBuren St., 101 W. VanBuren St.
“I have given all of the property owners a copy of the town ordinance,” Queen said. “Some of the properties have been brought to code, but most have not been fixed.”
The board talked about it for a bit and came to the conclusion that they would have town attorney Verne Landis write a letter to each of the homes on behalf of the city.
“Spell it out and give them ample time to bring it up to code,” said council member Larry Richey. “Then move from there.”
Council member Tom Moore suggested that the council take a wait-and-see approach.
The council agreed that a proper date in which the properties should be in compliance by is May 28.
The council also discussed possible penalties and solutions for bringing the properties to code.
“Is there any way we can charge the property owner for mowing their lawn or cleaning it up?” Queen asked.
After conferring with Landis, the board came to the conclusion that they would like to look into charging a flat fee for lawns the town must bring up to code. The town tossed around amounts, but eventually settled on $35 per lawn. The council will discuss in further detail the idea of charging property owners in violation to mow their properties.
Near the end of the meeting, Sheila Ellis told the board that she and other residents on Rowland Avenue have an issue with dogs running around unleashed and biting people.
Ellis, along with Marvin Small, Marilyn Staton and other residents, petitioned the board for action against the owner of the dogs. Leesburg Town Clerk Jan Carter and Queen both were familiar with the issue. The home at 5 Rowland Avenue has had many complaints.
“They have two chihuahuas and two pit bulls that run around without supervision,” Ellis said. “The chihuahua has bit my leg, but I was wearing jeans so it did not get my skin.”
Staton told the council that Ellis has grandchildren that she cannot take outside because of the dogs. The residents told the board this has been going on for two years and the owners of the dogs have been warned many times.
The council looked at the animal ordinance and determined that they will send a copy of the ordinance to the dog owners and set a stringent date by the end of the week. If the problem is not resolved by that time the council will take further action.
“By the ordinance it says that anyone in violation of the ordinance, the town can take action by catching the animal and disposing of it,” Moore said.
Queen then asked the board for permission to buy a dog catch pole, in order to catch the dogs in violation. The council approved the request.
