GLOVERSVILLE - The city is considering a policy of allowing fire department officials to immediately ticket blight offenders in the city.
The Common Council discussed the policy at a work session Tuesday.
The proposed policy, which was created by a number of local activists, including Richard Ottalagano and former councilman Lance Gundersen, gives officers the right to issue citations for "any and all violations of the city code dealing with the maintenance of real property."
The offender would then have seven days to abate the problem. If the abatement is not satisfactory, more fines may be imposed, according to the proposed policy.
Fines will amount to $50 per violation for a first offense and $1,000 per property if the owner fails to perform the actions necessary to abate the violation.
Gundersen said the policy would give officers more power to compel homeowners to change.
"The whole process needs to be strengthened," he said.
He said currently officers are very backed up in checking on offenses because of the amount of time it takes to issue a ticket.
The offender must then be given many days to fix the problem, which they often do not do.
The new policy has more "teeth," he said.
"They still have outstanding reports for snow removal," he said.
Ottalagano said the policy would create a revenue stream for the city because it would give officers the ability to write a ticket on the spot when they see code violations.
He said many people who commit code violations have no excuse for not abating the problem.
"If they own a home, they are an adult," he said. "They know the rules. There's no excuse for these people not to have their walk shoveled."
He acknowledged some people may have extenuating circumstances, such as a sickness or disability, that prevents them from abating problems, but said most people simply fail to comply.
Sixth Ward Councilman Ray Hindes said he thinks it is a pity the city must legislate what citizens should do automatically as responsible home owners.
He said, though, that he believes the new system is an improvement that should be considered.
The council opted to further discuss the policy at its next meeting.
Kayleigh Karutis covers Gloversville news. She can be reached at gloversville@leaderherald.com.
