Council discusses code enforcement

The Bandera City Council discussed the matter of day-to-day operations of code enforcements on June 21 at their regular meeting, determining to focus on a different factor each month moving forward.

Mayor Pro Tem Rebeca Gibson asked the council and Marshal Will Dietrich who needed to be enforcing violated ordinances, referencing festoon lights and litter as examples.

Councilman Jerry Russe suggested the city send letters to residents in violation. First, by making them aware as an education of the ordinance, then, once they’ve been informed, take action as needed if they were still violating the ordinance.

Dietrich explained a soft-hand approach has been typically used and, in some cases, citations have been issued, as in the matter of excess garbage.

“If y’all would like to see more writing of citations and having them come to court and having our municipal court judge working out the problems, that may be the solution, but that was not the feel that I got when I took this oath. If that’s the direction that you want us to take, then let me know, and I’ll head it that way,” said Dietrich.

Gibson responded that ideally, gaining compliance without a citation is best, and that she leans toward leaving it to the Marshal’s discretion, but she was concerned about some things Public Works employees are seeing in the community which aren’t being addressed.

Councilwoman Toni Kunz suggested they focus on one known ordinance not being enforced across the board and then send a letter to every utility customer noting the ordinance which is lax and addressing how the city wants to focus on compliance.

In this way, Kunz added, officers and city employees could be involved in training and documenting offenders as well as those coming into compliance.

“I’m about solutions. Lighting is an issue, signage and construction are issues. People selling things without permits, garage sales. We just need to get it done and stop spinning our wheels,” said Kunz.

City Attorney Dan Santee said educating the people and giving them a chance to come into compliance is successful in other cities that he has worked with.

“I truly believe that most people don’t intend to violate codes that they are not aware of,” added Kunz.

“We need to ensure that the city is doing their part in cleaning up what they are responsible for too.” said Councilwoman Darcy Hasty.

City Secretary Jill Shelton suggested she could look up current lighting and signage codes and add a communication to the citizens pertaining to the ordinances in the next billing cycle.

“We need to be clear, concise, and then follow through with the ordinances.” said Mayor Suzanne Schauman.

“You’re either in compliance or you’re not.” added Kunz.

“Maybe we should start off with the dog ordinance first. The lighting issue might get people angry,” suggested Dietrich.

Gibson said she liked everyone’s ideas and suggested focusing on one each month.

“Yes, maybe we can focus on education in the first month, then the next month, we show results. The next month, we start a new one.” said Kunz.

Schauman concluded, “We got some great ideas on the table.”