City wants junk/inoperable cars out of site

The agreement with Alta Body Shop for towing junk vehicles and equipment from property was approved Monday by the Alta City Council after several months of discussion and signed by Rick Meyer. The property owners with junked or inoperable vehicles will be fined and if no action is taken to abate, the vehicle will be towed from the property to Alta Body Shop for $55 and will be stored for 30 days prior to disposal. If the property owner retrieves the vehicle, they will be responsible for towing and storage costs. If they do not, the vehicles will be disposed of by Alta Body with the proceeds used to cover storage costs. The only cost to the City would be towing if the owner does not retrieve the vehicle.

"It's time people realize there's some seriousness," said Mayor Tom French. "This has gone on for years and years."

Code Enforcement Officer Mike Michehl reported that 1,226 linear feet of residential sidewalk have been replaced in the city this year, 234 feet have been replaced in the commercial district. There have been 25 handicap ramps installed.

A concerned citizen met with the council two months ago concerning the vacant house at 301 Buena Vista and the dangers it presents. Michehl said he's getting prices to hire someone to cover the open doorways and it it is hoped that will cut down on some of the problems. He added that the house cannot be condemned.

Council member Mike Holton told Michehl that he would like to see rental inspections addressed more and asked that the council receive a report on what needs to be done to bring those properties up to snuff and if or if not the property owners are complying.