Council ramps up ordinance enforcement

By Tony Farkas
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Both the residents of Coldspring and the City Council are on the same page regarding the city’s ordinances, and Mayor John Benestante said the city now will push for more enforcement.

At the regular meeting on June 5, the council reviewed ordinances regarding junk and salvage and public nuisances as well as several properties that are in violation.

Benestante said the city is going at beautification and ordinance enforcement systematically. He also said that all ordinances have been discussed with City Attorney Greg Magee, and enforcement will now begin.

Several discussions at the meeting dealt with specific violations.

A complaint filed on the property at 210 Slade St. for violation of the public nuisance law has been released, since Magee reported that it has been cleaned up, and the property owner has been advised that any future violations will go to court.

A violation of the junk and salvage ordinance at 301 Highway 150 was discussed, and the city will notify the property owner that his property needs to be fenced, and if it is not done, he will be cited.

Relatedly, the council discussed banning any future scrap car lots, salvage yards and impound yards, but no action was taken. Benestante said instead, the council will use its enforcement power to keep the city looking clean.

Related Articles

Onalaska council approves grant program resolutions

Colmesneil council conducts business

Separate discussions on other ordinances were had; one regarding an ordinance to begin issuing business permits gained no traction, and the council will not pursue it; and one regarding public events was delayed for more research.

In other business, the council:

•discussed tow-away zones in the city;

•approved joining the Texas Municipal Retirement System, and the city’s match of employee’s contribution;

•approved abandoning the right-of-way on Anglo Dutch property for Vivian brings;

•approved assisting the San Jacinto Senior Center with installing fire suppression for its kitchen; and

•tabled action on closing Parker Street.