The Vandalia City Council had a long discussion about properties that need to be cleaned up in town. And, although they know there is work being done to take care of the problem, they were frustrated with the slow process.
During Monday’s meeting, multiple Aldermen mentioned different properties in town that need to be cleaned up–some vacant houses and some empty lots. City Attorney Ryan Connor told the Council Code Enforcement Official Zac Kopp is actively working on several properties and they are taking them through the court system. Ward Three Alderman Bob Bowen says he understands the process takes time, but acknowledges it is frustrating.
There was discussion by some of the Aldermen to just go onto the properties and the City just clean them up. But, Connor said that might not be the best idea.
Connor was asked could a property just be considered abandoned and he said yes but he said that takes about two years to get declared. Ward Four Alderman Andy Lester asked Connor to explain the process of working to get a property cleaned up.
Now-former Mayor Rick Gottman stayed in the audience for Monday’s meeting and pointed out there have been 30 homes the city has demolished while Kopp has held his position and Connor said a good amount of those have been in the past 3 or 4 years.
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