More talks occurred with Uhrichsville Council as the first reading for an ordinance would adopt the International Property Maintenance Code.
The code establishes requirements for the upkeep of existing buildings.
Law Director Jeff Merklin emphasizes the need for an appointed board. Those on it must not be associated with the city, have knowledge of buildings, establish a process for warnings, and explain an appeal process.
“The paperwork needs to be in order. When somebody’s served with a notice they have to be told right up front this is what the city’s planning on doing to you and this is your right to appeal. It has to be set up right under the Ohio Supreme Court guidelines, all these administrative procedures, or it’s not going to be legal. People have to be given the right to appeal it.”
Mayor Jim Zucal says he talked with several residents interested in being on the board and asked council to appoint him as the board chairperson.
Merklin adds that if legal parameters were not in place and the ordinance was passed, it would not be enforceable, and any demolition done by the city would be subject to possible litigation.
“There has to be still some due process before you take somebody’s rights away, before you can go in and knock their house down, before you can go in and take them to court. The issue is, I’m not bucking anybody’s opinion that it should be cleaned up because it should, but it needs to be done legal and correctly.”
Two more readings of the ordinance will occur before council makes the ultimate decision.
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