Code enforcement update given

Jacksboro aldermen received an update on how code enforcement is going as part of the Sept. 26 meeting.

Diego Flores gave a detailed presentation in a number of areas on what the code enforcement department has been doing. In the six months since the tornado, 172 dumpsters have been provided and filled. Flores said he is working on getting a list of lots that have not been worked on since the tornado.

Flores is also working on a list of residences and lots for possible abatement. Flores has been working with the Texas Community Group to see if the homes are good on their taxes. One of the eight homes on the list has been taken off as it is not substandard. None of the eight residences is occupied. All have different owners, some who live in Jacksboro.

City Manager Mike Smith said for a hometown be abated, a list must given to the owner of exactly what the problems are. The owner then has 30 days to fix the problems or provide a plan of what he or she intends to do to fix the problems.

Mayor Craig Fenter said the city has to start somewhere and expects to get backlash. Flores was told to do four or five at a time of the houses being looked at, possibly starting with the ones who do not live here.

“If we try doing those that don’t live here, it might inspire those that live here to clean theirs up,” Place 4 Alderman Joel Hood explained.

The city has nine cases of unsightly grass. Flores said he is working with the owners to get it taken care of. The response from property owners has been positive, Flores said.

Flores also begins working at remediating the amount of junk vehicles in town. A junked vehicle is one that has been in a wreck or dismantled for at least 72 hours. Many of the vehicles are in the front yards of their residence which could be considered an eyesore.

After some discussion it was discussed to take a year and educate the community about the vehicles and what can be done to take care of the problem. Smith said there will be backlash but asked Flores to have a plan of action after the first of the year.