Staples City Council wants cars off lawns

Spurred by reports of cars parked on front lawns in Staples, the Staples City Council discussed ways to enforce city ordinances.

Council member Kevin Jenkins said he has seen cars and a tractor parked on front yards on 5th St. NE and other places in town, which is prohibited by city ordinances.

Jenkins said the practice is harmful to property values. “If you live next to one of these houses, you will have a hard time selling it,” said Jenkins.

Mayor Chris Etzler said the city has been enforcing some of the ordinances on a complaint-driven basis but agreed he would like to eliminate that system. He said the police don’t have time to drive around looking for nuisance violations and suggested looking into another position that could do it. He said long grass and sidewalk shoveling ordinances are also unevenly enforced.

Council member Doug Case, a former police officer, said complaint driven enforcement doesn’t work from a police standpoint, as it can evolve into bigger problems. He said there used to be an inspector who would send letters out in the spring and the police would cite the homeowners who didn’t comply. “It was effective,” said Case.

Council member Mary Theurer agreed that it should be enforced. “We have to send a message that it is not acceptable,” she said.

In other news, the council

o Approved a request from Sacred Heart Catholic Church to conduct bingo.

o Approved rental agreement with Staples-Motley School District for rental of Staples Community Center and swimming pool.