“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” — Proverb
For the past several weeks, I have been writing about existing ordinances that address the safety, health and appearance of our community. Today’s article will conclude the series.
My husband and I drove through our community’s neighborhoods earlier this week. It was nice to notice many overgrown lawns have been mowed, vehicles have been removed from front yards, and old lumber and debris/litter removed. Although there are still existing ordinance violations, it is great to see the progress taking place.
Ordinances address many of the maintenance/property issues. Additionally, we are working on a zoning code re-write. Proposed changes will address some of the other issues, including vacant buildings, landscaping for new commercial building projects, signage, etc.
8.02 Offenses endangering public safety.
(1) Burning of grass and trash restricted.
(a) Grass fires regulated. No person shall kindle any grass fire within the city without first securing a written permit from the clerk-treasurer, who shall issue such permit only upon approval of and subject to any conditions for the protection of life and property imposed by the fire chief.
(b) Trash burning restricted. No person shall ignite or set afire any rubbish, wastepaper or refuse in any of the streets or alleys of the city, or at any place within the fire limits of the city, unless such rubbish, wastepaper or refuse is confined within a fireproof receptacle or incinerator, the smoke outlet of which is not lower than the roofs of the surrounding buildings.
11.05 Keeping of animals and fowl
(1) Sanitary requirements. All structures, pens, buildings, coops or yards wherein animals or fowl are kept shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, free of rodents, vermin and objectionable odors.
(2) Animals excluded from food-handling establishments. No person shall take or permit to remain any dog, cat or other live animal on or upon premises where food is sold, offered for sale or processed for consumption by the general public.
(3) Animals excluded from within city limits.
(a) No horse, mule, donkey, pony, cow, goat, sheep, poultry, pig, wild animal or animal raised for fur-bearing purposes shall be kept within the city except in areas zoned FD, Future Development District. This prohibition shall not be applicable to fairground property.
(b) Not more than two each of rabbits or guinea pigs more than four months old nor more than 10 pigeons shall be kept on any premises within the city except in areas zoned as FD, Future Development District.
12.11 Unsafe buildings
Whenever the building inspector finds any building or part thereof within the city to be, in his or her judgment, so old, dilapidated or so out of repair as to be dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use, and so that it would be unreasonable to repair the same, he or she shall order the owner to raze and remove it at the owner’s option. Such order and proceedings shall be carried out in the manner prescribed for the razing of buildings in Wisconsin State Statute 66.05. Where the public safety requires immediate action, the building inspector shall enter upon the premises with such assistance as may be necessary and cause the building and structure to be made safe or to be removed, and the expenses of such work may be recovered by the city in an action against the owner or tenant.
As we work together to make our city safe, clean, healthy and aesthetically pleasing, I am reminded of the proverbs: “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and “Every path has its puddle.”
Thanks for your help and patience.
Since last week’s article, I have received several comments regarding how nice the planters located throughout the community look. Thanks, Tree Advisory Board Chairperson Bill Erdmann and board members, for overseeing this much appreciated volunteer beautification program.
I will not be available to write this column for the remainder of July. I look forward to visiting with you again in August.
The answer to last week’s trivia question—What are the names of the two businesses owned by William (Bill) Springborn in 1985?—is Springies Log Inn and Springies Carpet Cleaning.
This week’s question is: Can you name the four pastors of St. James Lutheran Church in 1981?
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