Brackenridge resident Heather Artman wants more bite, less bark from council regarding code violations across the borough.
The Horner Street resident questioned why some residents appear to get away with letting their grass grow too high or leaving their trash cans out 24/7.
“It might seem like a minor issue, but when you’re the one picking up garbage every day of the week, it gets old,” Artman said.
“The borough ordinance serves as a warning. You need to cite these people. These are small things that we can be fixing to make Brackenridge a better place.”
The borough employs a part-time code enforcement officer that works one day a week. Administrators compile a list of violations for the officer to review.
Last month, the borough issued 27 warning letters and 11 citations, which resulted in three court appearances before District Judge Carolyn Bengel.
“We can’t make people do anything, although we try,” Council Vice President Tim Kolar said.
“We fine them and it goes to the magistrate. She fines them, and they don’t pay so it goes downtown — and all gets thrown out. Then we have to start all over.”
A borough ordinance requires people to wait until 6 p.m. to place garbage cans at the curb. Artman said she has a neighbor that leaves trash cans out seven days a week.
“They blow over, the garbage goes everywhere and I’m out there picking it up,” she said. “I don’t mind helping people but we need structure in this borough. Why can’t you enforce this?”
Resident John Briney agreed, saying a crackdown would make the borough “a better place for everyone.”
“With the amount of rental properties we have here, we need to hire someone full-time for code enforcement.”
Kolar said council is scheduled to begin its budget workshops and will consider the cost versus benefits of a full-time officer.
Councilman Dino Lopreiato said he doesn’t think residents realize what goes on behind the scenes. He cited an example where the borough sent letters for years to a resident who let their grass grow too high.
He said council is limited beyond the citations.
“It’s very frustrating,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can.”
