Two people, Kenny Farmer and Bryce Maudlin, came to the Grant City Council Meeting Wednesday to protest what they saw as selective enforcement of city ordinances. Farmer said that the city was wasting money taking people with junk and/or vehicles in their yard when they should be worrying about collecting delinquent taxes. The city discussed delinquent taxes after Farmer left. Maudlin said that he was helping a friend clean up his junk and that he came to the meeting in homes of reaching a common ground, but that clearly the council was not going to budge.
Farmer said that every single one of the vehicles in his yard was operable, there were other places that were much worse off than his place was, and that there was a problem with businesses operating in residential areas and residents living in areas meant for businesses.
Mayor Debbie Roach, City Administrator Meggan Brown, and council members explained to Farmer that in one case, the property owner got a letter, that one property in question was being cleaned up, and that the city draws up a list of properties to go after based on a priority list. “When you have 10 cars on your property, you draw attention,” Brown said. The city bases its decisions on who to send letters to based on complaints. Both Brown and Roach make trips around the city to identify properties in violation of city ordinances. “Everybody on our list is eventually going to get a letter,” said Roach. “Every city has ordinances. It’s no different in other towns. You’re responsible for knowing the ordinances. It’s the law.” She said that people could get a copy of the ordinances at City Hall. “How am I so high on the priority list? I live in the ghetto,” said Farmer.
Maudlin said he worked full time and then helped people clean up their property. “All I’m doing is help other people clean their properties,” he said. But Roach responded, “Putting it on your property is not helping.” Roach and council members added that Maudlin could do whatever he wants with his junk as long as he gets it out of city limits.
The council voted to authorize the following letter to be included in the April city bills:
To all Grant City residents:
The City of Grant City is like any other city, town, or municipality all across the nation. We have ordinances and rules and have had for many years.
You were all aware that these ordinances and rules existed when you chose to live here. We do not pick and choose. We prioritize issue and go off of complaint based situations. Your neighbors and other residents should not have to be afraid to speak up about issues that affect their property values, the aesthetic appeal of their street, or neighborhood. They do not want to drive up to their home or look out their window and see junk cars, piles of junk, tall weeds, trash, etc. They don’t want to listen to barking dogs, smell goats, cows, or other animals or worry about their children being bitten by a stray dog.
You cannot move to the city and expect to do whatever you please or to be left alone if you are in violation of an ordinance. We understand there are lots of people and properties in violation of numerous ordinances, but we cannot afford to take everyone to court at the same time, so therefore, we prioritize. The ordinances are in place for the safety and well being of our citizens. Please be considerate of others before making decisions that impact their property as well as yours. If you receive a letter, please just do the right thing and abate the issue.
With over $66,000 in past due taxes and an estimate of over $933,000 to demolish derelict buildings, we cannot afford to spend our funds trying to get people to do the right thing and follow our ordinances and rules.
You live in a community with some of the cheapest utilities around. We have a great school system, wonderful churches, good healthcare, and many other amenities that other small communities do not have. We are blessed in so many ways, and we as a council appreciate all of those things and the good citizens that live in our community.
We have dog and animal ordinances, abandoned/unlicensed vehicle ordinances, traffic ordinances, building ordinances, health ordinances, and many others. You need a building permit if you are going to construct a fence or build a permanent structure along with other permits.
If you would like to view our ordinances, they can be found on www.grantcitymo.com under Government or you can stop by City Hall to read them.
Thank You!
Mayor and City Council
Attorney Taryn Henry is sending five followup letters of violation to people, and City Administrator Meggan Brown reported that she plans to send 12-15 new letters of violation.
Past due taxes were discussed. There are $8,836.53 worth of delinquent taxes, including penalties. Delinquent taxes of three or more years total $42,607.80, including penalties. People who are no longer residents or who are deceased owe a total of $23,036.04, including penalties. Additional penalties will apply at the end of the month.
City Administrator Meggan Brown reported that she has ordered no parking signs for the city.
The city is in the process of getting lead line work rebid due to getting bids too early.
The city will be getting the first payment for the wastewater grant. Construction is estimated to start on November 2024 and finish around March 2026.
A new spring cleanup day will be held sometime in April. There will be a dumpster at the city barn, and they will collect tires again this year.
Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that they read meters and did locates, cleaned up on High Street from the Water Line project, and removed gas service from Kerwin’s big house on Jersey Street. They hauled gravel to a few places that needed it. Three gas meters were replaced with new ones. There was a gas leak at the Fletchall house that burned on Main Street. Riley is working on gas classes, and Tyson and Riley are working on water classes. The council voted to authorize up to 15 loads of gravel. The council agreed to let Staton attend Mango Safety Summit from June 26th to 28th.
Ryan Fletchall reported there was a lift pump down by the Glenn Hughes shop. One of the seals blew out. If they rebuild it, it will cost $2,500 and a replacement will cost $8,000 to $15,000. The council authorized him to repair it.
The auditor came for the 2023 audit and will get the report to the city as soon as the audit is complete.
The council voted to have C&H Electric fix the can lighting as well as the rest of the lighting.
The council voted to halve the water bills of Jean Hanks and Jessica Spainhower due to leaks.
Clerk Farrah Richey reported on concerns Gina McNeese had over the operation of the pool. Alderman Lenny Campbell reported that he had a few citizens who wanted to put up shade in the baby pool area.
The council decided to allow Public Works Director Carl Staton to hire seasonal help on an as needed basis from May 1st to October 1st. Work hours will be approximately 8 to 20 hours a week.
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