(Atlantic) The Atlantic City Council approved a resolution on Wednesday addressing unpaid fees. The Council also approved the sale of a city-owned lot.
Atlantic City Administrator John Lund referenced the minutes notes stating that for years, the City has been battling nuisance properties characterized by garbage, junk, tall grass, and weeds. He said that when it seems to be improving, the situation worsens, and the problem spreads again.
According to Lund, the City has billed violators of the Public Nuisance Codes; however, this approach has not achieved the desired effect. Therefore, the City is escalating the process by formally charging costs related to the abatement of nuisances, which requires official action from the Council.
Iowa Code sections 364.12(1) and 364.12(2) outline a City’s responsibilities concerning public spaces. Sections 364.12(3) through 364.12(7) grant the City authority to address issues on private property and assess costs to property owners. Specifically, Iowa Code § 364.12(3)(h) and other relevant laws permit unpaid fees to be assessed as a lien against the property, which can be collected in the same manner as property taxes. The Code mandates that the City certify these assessments to the County Treasurer for collection alongside general property taxes.
Lund says for property owners facing assessment, the City will send a notice by regular mail to each affected property owner. This notice will include a copy of the resolution and the specific assessment amount. Additionally, property owners will be informed of their right to object or request a hearing within 10 days from the date of the notice.
In other business:
Procedures Regarding Municipal Securities Disclosure.”
