Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the City Clerk to report to the Auditors of Franklin and Fairfield Counties in Ohio all charges which are due to the City of Columbus, Department of Development and are certified for payment to said County Auditors in conformance with Sections 701.07 through 701.19 of the Columbus City Code for weed and solid waste removal. The 2001 Budget transferred responsibility for weed and solid waste abatement activities from the Columbus Health Department to the Department of Development. In the assessment period covered by this legislation (May 1st through October 31st, 2003), owners of 1150 properties within Columbus were notified to abate weed and solid waste nuisances. Those properties where violations were not abated were turned over to the Environmental Nuisance Weed and Solid Waste Program for compliance. Abatement was completed using the services of private and/or City contractors. This legislation provides for assessment of the costs associated with the weed and solid waste abatement process.
Emergency action is required so that assessments can be placed on the January 2004 tax duplicate.
FISCAL IMPACT: This legislation provides a mechanism for recovery of costs associated with the weed and solid waste abatement program.
Title
To authorize assessments for weed and solid waste removal on properties in violation of weed and solid waste regulations as set forth in the Columbus City Code; and to declare an emergency.
Body
Whereas, the owners of certain vacant lots and structures in the City of Columbus have allowed the growth of noxious weeds, grasses and/or the accumulation of solid waste on their properties; and
Whereas, said owners have been duly notified of the requirements of the law in such circumstances; and
Whereas, said owners have failed to provide mowing services and solid waste removal as set forth in Section 701.07 through Section 701.19 of the Columbus City Code; ...
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