HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated April 14, 1998 V "
ITEM #
DATE: Aril 14 998
SUBJECT: Change the local ordinance to read refrigerators and appliances shall not be stored
outside in lieu of existing language as stated in the Ames Municipal Code.
BACKGROUND:
Inspection staff cited Ken's Appliance for abandoned refrigerators and appliances which were
stored outside his commercial building on Washington Avenue last fall. Mr. Howe plead not guilty
at a municipal hearing. The City argued that he was in violation of Section 17.12 of the Ames
Municipal Code. The judge ruled that this section only declared violations existed if the
refrigerators were the old style with lockable doors. The City argued that even the new
refrigerators with magnetic seals are dangerous and could cause harm to children. The judge said
that was not the way the code was written and suggested that the City of Ames rewrite their
ordinance to include all refrigerators. As staff,we feel other appliances may also be dangerous
and detract from property values when stored outside. Therefore, the Inspection Staff
recommends that the City Council direct the City Attorney to draft a change to the ordinance that
will prohibit storage of any appliance outside unless in an approved salvage yard. Since the
hearing, Ken'sAppliance now has approximately twenty appliances stored outside. Thisisvery
dangerous and an eye sore to neighboring properties.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the request and direct the City Attorney to draft changes to our local ordinance
regarding unprotected storage of all appliances.
2. Deny the request.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1 and
direct the City Attorney to draft changes to our local ordinance regarding unprotected storage
of all appliances.
COUNCIL ACTION: