A Dublin property owner sought interest at Monday’s regular City Council meeting regarding revising code enforcement in the city to increase the aesthetics and land value of the city.
“I see Dublin has a potential for growth,” said Dublin native Miles McNeal, who said he has been around the countryandseencommunities in places like Colorado benefit from proactive code enforcement policies.
McNeal said Dublin, like much of Texas, is going to grow due to people relocating from other states and areas. He said becoming active in code enforcement can make a good first impression and choose which type of people come into town.
“I’m proposing a more even-handed robust code enforcement,” McNeal said. “It would require more resources, but that would come back multiple fold.”
City Manager Bobby Mendez walked the council through the current code enforcement process which includes presenting a notice, which then gives the property owner 10 days to remedy the problem. After that, the city is able to issue citations until the problem is resolved. If the city has to perform work on the property or enough time goes by without the issue being addressed, the city can then put a lien on the property.
Mendez reported that the city operates with a small budget on resolving issues like vacant buildings in disrepair.
Referencing the recent cost of the demolition of the old EMS building, Mendez said “ the demolition of a problem building on a small lot could exceed the cost of the lot [recouped from the sale afterwards].”
McNeal offered pro bono service as a licensed attorney and said he was seeing if the council had an interest in pursuing options. If so, he suggested forming a citizen’s group to come up with proposals that could be presented to the council.
No action was taken. The council also unanimously approved (minus the absent Lee Jones) moving funds within the Dublin Volunteer Fire Department budget (including $150,000 received from the county) for the purchase of a brush truck. Chief Paul Warner reported this purchase will replace a vehicle from 1999 which has a bed taken from a ‘60s truck.
Warner had attempted to find purchasing options for building one, but found the process to be too difficult currently.
Council members were advised the funds to cover down payment and financing could be covered with the budget.
Council also unanimously approved the auction of retired Public Works and code enforcement vehicles (four single-cab Silverado trucks and a non-functional Tahoe).A resolution was passed expanding the allowed Dublin Police Department exempt plates to the vehicles of Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray, Dublin Police Sergeant Khris Jennings and City Manager/reserve officer Bobby Mendez.
Council also approved the appointment of Troy Camp to the Dublin Economic Development Corporation board at the request of EDC Executive Director Penny Corona.
In public comments, Things Celtic owner Lanora Davison said, “As a downtown business owner, sidewalks would be nice.”
Mendez informed the council that plans are expected Monday, July 17 regarding work to downtown sidewalks. The city is working in conjunction with the EDC to replace the sidewalks on Blackstreet Street in front of Blackjack’s and retail store in the next block.