Thursday, June 19, 2003
Council also took action on loud music and skateboarders.
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- City council has given housing inspectors the power to fine owners of properties in disrepair without taking them to court.
On Monday, council unanimously approved overhauling the city's housing-code enforcement system as recommended by a task force.
The task force recommended that the city replace its code with an internationally recognized property-maintenance code; incorporate the city's dormant rental-property registration program into the code; and create a housing-code appeals board.
The task force also recommended adoption of administrative penalties handled by inspectors, which is designed to reduce the number of issues that go to court.
The resolution, which goes into effect immediately, also increases penalties for property owners who violate the code.
Noise issues
Council also approved stiffer penalties on loud car stereos that include mandatory fines, seizure and forfeit of the equipment, and towing the car:
UA first offense means a mandatory $50 fine. Police can seize the equipment, and the owner would then forfeit the sound system.
UA second offense means a mandatory $500 fine and mandatory equipment seizure and forfeit.
UA third offense means a mandatory $600 fine and mandatory equipment seizure and forfeiture.
UPolice can tow a car, and judges also can impose up to 60 days in jail and up to a $500 fine, on any offense in addition to the other sanctions.
New rules
In other action at its last scheduled meeting before summer recess, council modified laws about skateboards, in-line skates, roller skates and scooters.
The ordinance prohibits skateboards, skates and scooters on sidewalks and public parking areas within a mile of downtown and where signs prohibiting them are posted.
Those using such devices must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times and must stop or dismount if passing the pedestrians could cause them injury or "reasonable fear."
Riders are also required to dismount their skateboards or scooters when crossing streets and must wear reflective vests, sashes or tape from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise and at all other times when there is insufficient light to clearly see people from 300 feet away.
"What we wanted to do was establish a guideline" for skateboard riders, skaters and scooter riders, said Artis Gillam Sr., D-1st, safety committee chairman. The area around Youngstown State University has caused some concern with pedestrians being knocked down and calling the city to complain, he explained.
kubik@vindy.com