Mowing a big topic of discussion at Vandalia City Council meeting

Mowing around the community was a big topic of discussion during Monday’s Vandalia City Council meeting.

Alderman Bob Bowen brought up the topic and wanted to discuss taking action to get some properties mowed in the community.

City Attorney Ryan Connor said there are tickets going through the court system for this issue. But, he says it takes a lot of time.

Bowen also brought up some properties that are owned by the City of Vandalia and discussed one such property where a home was recently demolished by the city and the grass is now getting high. Mayor Rick Gottman says some communities have a “Mow to Own” program.

The City of Mt. Vernon is one community that has a “Mow to Own” program. In their information it states that programs helps adjacent property owners acquire the vacant properties and improve neighborhoods at the same time by permitting acquisition to the property by routine maintenance instead of a cash purchase. Mayor Gottman did reiterate any property owned by the City of Vandalia will be addressed. The Mayor also asked the City Attorney if they could move ahead with working to sell these properties.