By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Decatur Mayor Dan Rickord is a mostly mellow guy as he leads city board of works and council meetings. Any passion shown comes out when he’s offering praise for city employees and people who have served the city at their best, as well as efforts of hard work and dedication.
Some ire bubbled over at Tuesday night’s board of works meeting, however, when the latest code enforcement issues came up.
Zoning/Planning Director Curt Witte was talking about the need to get a home on Harrison St. cleaned up.
“They all say on social media they want to help, so here is their opportunity to do so,” Rickord said, obviously a little piqued.
He apparently was reacting to considerable social media comments in recent days concerning a home at 1620 W. Madison St. (photo). Many of the posts criticized the city for taking action against the property, for using the owner’s name publicly, etc.
In fact, the situation has been going on for the better part of two years and the owner refuses to communicate with city officials. Complaints about the property continue to come in to City Hall.
“The neighbors shouldn’t have to look at this place,” the mayor said. “Ninety percent of this (enforcing city codes) is complaint driven. We’re not picking on anyone; everyone gets treated the same.”
He then revealed that over 450 code enforcement issues have come up in the city this year. In most, the owner(s) complied with city demands. Some simply will not do so.
“We will work with anyone, but they have to communicate with us,” Rickord continued. “I would love to get this person (Laurie Blythe, the W. Madison St. home owner) some help, but how can we if the person won’t communicate with us?”
He reminded that the city recently made a $500 donation to NeighborLink of Adams County, which provides help to people needing some assistance in getting a property cleaned up.
“If there are people out there who want to help (property owners), call City Hall and we’ll help them get set up,” the mayor added.