UPDATE: Oak Creek officials have just announced a significant overhaul of the town’s nuisance code, moving to a court-based civil infraction system. This urgent change aims to tackle problem properties effectively while minimizing political pressure, as discussed in a Board of Trustees meeting on January 22, 2024.
The proposed reforms, spearheaded by Town Administrator Louis Fineberg, focus on cleaning up the town by establishing a clearer enforcement process for issues like junk accumulation and derelict buildings. “The current system isn’t workable,” Fineberg stated, emphasizing the need for a more straightforward approach modeled after the successful civil infraction system in Steamboat Springs.
Under the new plan, nuisance violations will no longer be handled by the Board of Trustees. Instead, enforcement will shift to a municipal court, where judges can impose fines and other remedies. Property owners will receive a written notice to correct violations within a specified time, such as seven days to address issues like securing abandoned buildings.
Mayor Melissa Dobbins praised the proposal, calling it “the real deal” and highlighting the community’s demand for effective code enforcement. “It’s time to clean up our town,” she declared, acknowledging the potential challenges ahead. “We need to be ready for new enforcement; it could open up legalities.”
Fineberg noted that the community has raised numerous complaints about unsecured vacant buildings and accumulated junk, indicating an urgent need for action. He described the current code as “convoluted,” making enforcement nearly impossible. The revised code aims to eliminate ambiguities and provide clear standards, addressing subjective interpretations of terms like “junk” and “noxious weeds.”
The Board of Trustees is aware of the sensitive nature of these changes, particularly for long-time residents who may struggle to comply with stricter enforcement. “It’s not as simple as saying, ‘clean it up,’” Dobbins said, stressing the importance of a measured approach that focuses on the most severe cases first.
Fineberg, who joined Oak Creek in June 2023, acknowledged that improving code enforcement was a priority from the outset. “The town felt it was too lax here,” he explained, highlighting the necessity for a legally defensible system that avoids political influence.
The Board plans to review the revised draft at the next meeting on February 26, 2024, with hopes to finalize the new code by spring. “Getting the code in place is just the first step,” Fineberg stated. “Implementing a robust enforcement system will follow.”
As Oak Creek grapples with these potential changes, residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with the evolving code enforcement landscape. The town’s commitment to creating a safer, more aesthetically pleasing environment is clear, but the execution will require careful navigation of community sentiments and legal considerations.
With this urgent update, Oak Creek is poised for transformative changes that could shape the town’s future significantly. Residents and stakeholders alike will be watching closely as these developments unfold.
