By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
news4garrod@gmail.com
LAWTON – At the Lawton Village Council’s Tuesday, May 27, meeting, Lawton Village Council President Josh Appleby brought the village rental ordinance update to the floor for discussion, as the village attorney was present to address questions.
Lawton Village Manager Todd Hackenberg recommended an implementation date longer than 30 days to educate the public. Council members discussed the best course of action of implementation and enforcement, citing it would like to see letters sent to landlords, as well as a press release slated for approval at the June 10 meeting.
Discussion was also held on time of registration versus being licensed. Village council members said they would like to see the language changed to allow for a separate registration window and a licensing window to allow time for inspections. Council members wanted to know what would happen to renters if the owners have not been licensed. The village attorney said the issue would be addressed in court, attaining a formal hearing, with a goal to try and enter a consent judgement to get the rental ordinance. If not followed at that point, then the judge would give an order that they could no longer rent. In doing this, it would provide landlords plenty of opportunities to become compliant.
Discussion was held about a future construction board of appeals, and how it would come into play. Land contracts were also discussed. The village attorney will make changes as needed, and a final draft of the zoning ordinance will be presented to the Lawton Village Planning Commission for approval.
During Citizen’s Comments, Tony Greenway, a resident of Main Street, asked about brush pickup. Greenway said that his brush has not been picked up, and he would like to know about pickup or whether communication could be sent out if it is running behind.
Village Manager Hackenberg said his brush would be picked up by week’s end. The delay was caused by a vehicle breakdown.
The council approved a resolution in support of continued MEL funding, citing its importance to the local community, and approved a resolution in support of the Vineyard
Classic Bike Tour.
