I am writing this letter to clear up some facts surrounding property nuisance letters that were sent out to city residents. On June 7, the city council comprised a list of nine properties that would receive nuisance letters. I felt that there were many more properties that should have been cited, including those of two council members and the mayor. I took the time to comprise a list including additional properties. I knew there would be some controversy, but felt the majority of my fellow citizens felt as I did. I then verbally read my list at the June 21 council meeting and it was not received well. My intention was not to target any particular property or individual. I just wanted our town cleaned up. I then requested that the Tri-County News print my list. My request was denied. [Editor’s note: Legal counsel advised the Tri-County News not to publish the original letter as submitted.] The city council then directed Police Chief Todd Rohloff to revise my list as he saw fit. He revised my list by removing nuisances like buildings which are badly in need of paint. He stated that some businesses should be exempt from painting since it would cost too much. Rohloff added 13 new properties to my list; my own property was one of those added. I had no problem with this. The city then sent out nuisance letters based on Rohloff’s list. All letters sent out begin, “A concerned citizen has filed a complaint,” when, in fact, approximately three-fourths of the letters sent were based on the city’s and Chief Rohloff’s findings. Was this right? I felt there was a need to raise awareness for much needed improvements in our community, which the council had failed to do. I have lived here my entire life and I just want to be proud of our community to help attract new growth. If your property needs to be cleaned up or needs to be painted, why not just do it? I am currently organizing some youth to do community service projects. If you are elderly or need help with property clean-up, please call me. Thank you. Mary Spaulding, Kimball
