Hills to crack down on nuisance junk in town

Notifications will be mailed to about 300 residents and property owners in the city of Hills directing them to clean up their properties.
The letters inform them that they could face fines and possible cleanup at their own expense.
Deadline is Oct. 1.
Councilors reviewed a letter drafted by city attorney Paul Vis outlining the cleanup process.
“I like the way it is written — it’s very clear,” said Hills City Council member Stacen Burgers.
The council voted unanimously to move forward with possible legal action brought against offenders. Councilor Vickie Busswitz was not present at the July 13 city council meeting.
The city has repeatedly sent written notifications to residents and property owners about various items left on lawns throughout the city.
The majority of items are in violation of the city’s nuisance ordinance adopted by councilors in 2013.
Instead of another mailing from the city, councilors are instructing their attorney to do the talking.
“Many residents have responded positively to communications regarding the ordinance, and the city of Hills thanks you for your efforts,” Vis wrote. “Unfortunately, there have been some offenders who have not complied to the applicable city ordinance.”
Discussions between councilors revealed violators are primarily renters of homes in the city and they are being asked to “remove all unlicensed, uninsured, inoperable vehicles, yard debris, garbage, waste, etc.” from their property.
Landlords/property owners will bear the expense if the city cleans the property.
“If no action is taken after the citation is given, the city will arrange to have your property cleaned at the owner’s expense; the cost of the cleaning up of your property will be assessed to your property taxes,” Vis wrote.