Some Dolores residents with refuse on their properties also downright refuse to deal with it, even when the town steps in.
The Dolores Board of Trustees on Monday discussed the issue of waste-filled yards, deemed “public nuisances,” saying that three unresponsive properties have been issued summons and fines, after the town contacted them to offer extra time for cleaning.
“They’re not calling, they’re not writing, they’re not cleaning up,” Town Manager Leigh Reeves said during the meeting.
“They’re not asking for help,” said Mayor Chris Holkestad. “They’re not accepting help.”
In the town’s case, “public nuisance” is a formal, yet broad phrase to describe the objects found on some properties, typically thought of as “clutter,” “debris,” “junk” or “trash.”
During Monday’s meeting, Mayor Holkestad described homes with trash, as well as random items like jet skis and television sets.
Town codes forbid such public nuisances from lingering. If need be, the issue can be brought before court and from there could result in a daily fine of $500, according to the town’s ordinance.
According to Reeves, 12 people were given summons notifying them of such public nuisances on their properties.
All except three people have responded, she said. Some of those have thoroughly cleaned up their yards already, she said.
“So you’re real comfortable with fining people $500 a day for noncompliance?” asked Trustee Sheila Wheeler.
Reeves said that people had been notified in advance of a town cleanup and just had to start a dialogue with Dolores officials.
“All they have to do is contact us back and we will work with them.”
Those who make contact can be given extra time to tidy up their properties if need be, she said.
“The idea in court as the town prosecutor is not to be punitive. The idea is to get compliance,” said Jon Kelly, the town’s attorney.
A town cleanup day is slated for Oct. 6-7, said Reeves.
Reeves declined to comment to an inquiry made by The Journal for more details on the three cases mentioned during the meeting.
