Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Council expected to rescind condemnation resolution

With no discussion, the Prescott City Council passed a resolution calling for the condemnation of two properties in Prescott. But Prescott City Clerk and Recorder Sandra Cason said the council will now be asked to rescind the ordinance and hold a public meeting.

It should not have been passed, Cason said April 20.

She said passing the condemnation without a public meeting was denying those owners due process.

The two commercial properties are at 602 East Second St. and at 126 Elm St., both in Prescott.

According to the ordinance, the reason for the condemnation is that the properties are in a dilapidated and deteriorated condition and pose a safety hazard to any parties venturing into the properties; and the undergrowth, grass, weeds, junk, garbage and rubbage situated on the property poses a health and fire hazard and unsightly conditions for the surrounding property owners. Further, such property in its existing condition serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies and germs ...

The resolution calls for the owners of the property to repair the structures and abate the issues described as a nuisance. If the property owners dont take action, the city will take over the issue. This usually results in the complete demolition of the structures.

The council heard the resolution, made no comments and unanimously passed the document.

Cason said the city will set a public hearing for the property owners before the council is asked to again pass the resolution.

In other business, the council heard from Prescott-Nevada County Chamber Director Mary Godwin said the next Trade Days will be held May 12. She said a community-wide garage sale is being planned in conjunction with the event.

Godwin said the annual Ag Day is set for April 27 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The event allows children from the area to learn about agricultures thats so important to local economy.

Godwin also told the council that a group will visit Prescott on April 27 to see local tourism sites. She said the group work for the state tourism department and will visit sites they promote so that they have first-hand information to give potential visitors.

In an unrelated conversation, Councilman Howard Austin told council members that hed been asked what constitutes a proper incinerator for burning leaves.

Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor said most people use a 55-gallon drum.

But is that a proper incinerator? Austin asked.

He said the question has arisen from the passage of a city ordinance banning leaf burning. The exception to the ordinance is that leaves may be burned in an approved incinerator.

There was no answer from Taylor as to what would pass as an approved incinerator.