By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
At the Aug. 25 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, citizens Dennis Ludwig Jr. and Renea Winkleblack voiced a complaint of arbitrary enforcement of the city’s “nuisance” ordinance regarding items and vehicles on their yard.
“I’ve always used the term that you’re harassing me. That is not the case. I’ve been incorrect on that. This is an arbitrary matter,” Ludwig said.
Ludwig said he has consulted legal counsel and has pictures of other properties within the city that are also in violation of the ordinance but have not been addressed. He said some of those properties belong to city council members.
Ludwig said he’s been working on addressing the violations on the property, and council members said it appears that 90% is completed. Ludwig said he would put a tarp over the trailer loaded with equipment. Councilmember Ian Steensen said the city will check to see that all applicable issues have been addressed to come into compliance with the ordinance.
Compliance Officer Wes Clark stated there are currently 16 other properties the city has notified of violations of the nuisance ordinance.
The council set a public hearing for Sept. 8 to consider renewing the current Urban-Revi District. City Administrator Kris Arrasmith said it is basically a formality but is required if the city wishes to continue the program.
Arrasmith said the city will need to purchase four new heaters for the pool at a cost of about $25,000. She also said the city’s lawn mowers have been used as much this year as in the previous three years combined due to the summer’s warm and wet conditions.
The council approved beer/liquor licenses for Nik’s Tipsy Trailers and Incredi-Bowl.
The next regular meeting of the council is set for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8. The public is welcome.