Ordinances-1980-92

ORDINANCE NO. 1980-92 AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING THAT WEEDS AND NOXIOUS GROWTHS BE DESTROYED; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE TO DESTROY OR CUT; PROVIDING FOR SUCH DESTRUCTION BY THE CITY; AND PROVIDING FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE COSTS THEREOF TO THE PROPERTY IN THE EVENT OF THE OWNER'S FAILURE TO COMPLY AFTER DUE NOTICE. BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF TIFFIN, IOWA: SECTION I. Weeds And Noxious Growths Must Be Destroyed Or Cut. Pursuant to Section 368.31, Code of Iowa, all weeds, vines, brush or other growth which constitutes a health, safety or fire hazzard, on any lot or parking adjacent thereto, shall be destroyed by the owner or persons in possession of the lot; or, in lieu of destruction, weeds and growths specified herein shall be frequently cut. The mayor, or other authorized municipal office shall determine the necessary frequency of cutting and shall determine whether or not the cutting is properly done. SECTION II. Notice To Destroy Or Cut. Upon the failure of the owner or the person in possession of such lot to destroy, to keep cut, or to properly cut the weeds and growths specified herein, the mayor or other authorized municipal officer shall cause to be served upon the owner, agent, or person in possession of such property a written notice to destroy or cut. SECTION III. Contents Of Notice To Destroy Or Cut. The notice to destroy or cut shall contain: 1. An order to destroy or cut the weeds and growths within a stated time which shall be reasonable under the circumstances. 2. Location of the weeds and growths. 3. Statement of act or acts necessary to destroy or properly cut the weeds and growths. 4. Statement that if the weeds and growths are not destroyed or properly cut, the City will destroy or cut the weeds and growths and assess the cost against such person. SECTION IV. Method Of Notice. The notice to destroy or cut shall be sent by certified mail. SECTION V. Destruction Or Cutting By Municipality. If the person so notified neglects or fails to destroy or cut the weeds and growths specified herein as directed, the mayor, or other officers initiating the notice, may cause the weeds and growths specified herein to be destroyed or cut, keeping an accurate account of the expense incurred. The expense account shall be fully itemized, verified and filed with the City Clerk. Such expenses shall be paid by the municipality.