June 12, 2023 |
Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Rawlins City Council is looking to toughen up code on derelict vehicles around town. During last week’s council work session, Code Enforcement Officer Brian Markut gave an update on his department. Markut explained to the council what types of code violations he handles.
Markut said concerned citizens will call or email his office with alleged code violation complaints. He said he will investigate the allegation and notify the property owner by letter if a violation has occurred. Markut said he also asks the property owner to develop a clean-up plan.
After a plan is agreed upon, Markut said he will follow up on the case to ensure the violation continues to be addressed. The code enforcement officer said every notice of violation must be sent via certified mail. Markut said that process can significantly slow down his enforcement efforts.
Councilwoman Jacquelin Wells asked Markut about the industrial section on the east side of the city. She said she noticed a lot of alleged code violations in that area. Mayor Terry Weickum said he has seen an increased number of derelict vehicles on city streets. Councilman Bruce Seilaff said a specific, unnamed, property could possibly be violating Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality standards.
The council members commented on how they’ve seen more scrap vehicles appearing on the east side of the city. Markut said towing every derelict vehicle would be a costly and time-consuming process.
Markut said a letter signed by the council would give him the authority to tackle the problem. Mayor Weickum said he supports Markut. The mayor said the existence of an ordinance means that it should be enforced.
Mayor Weickum suggested the city begin towing scrap vehicles parked on city property. Rawlins Police Lieutenant Jarad Frakes said the city needs to ensure the matter is handled legally. Mayor Weickum said when people see the city is taking enforcement seriously, they may voluntarily abide by the existing ordinances. The mayor said too many violations exist in the industrial part of the city to ignore. Councilman Seilaff agreed, saying the problem has existed for quite a while.
Mayor Weickum told Markut to work with other city agencies and formulate a plan for dealing with the derelict vehicles. In jest, the code enforcement officer said he would make it his life’s goal.
Markut said he would work with the police and fire departments to clean up the east side of the city.
