The Newman City Council voted 5-0 to move forward with an abatement project at a residence of S street that has been the site of rubbish for several months.

City staff recommended that the City Council conduct the public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 2025-, Declaring The Existence Of A Public Nuisance Under Ordinance No. 95-4. The home had trash and other items piled up in the front yard. In the backyard, the fence had fallen and piles of rubbish could be seen. According to city staff, the resident was not using the trash bins and the pile had been attracting vermin.

On April 25, 1995, the Newman City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1995-4, amending Chapter 2 of Title 8 of the Newman City Code, now referred to as Chapter 8.02. The purpose of Chapter 8.02 is to define conditions harmful to public health, safety, and welfare, promote property maintenance, and establish guidelines for correcting violations.

According to NCC §8.02.030, it is unlawful for any responsible person to keep premises in a condition detrimental to public health, safety, or general welfare. Property owners must ensure that public nuisances do not remain on their premises or adjacent public areas.

In compliance with NCC §8.02.060, the city sent notices to property owners informing them of existing nuisances, abatement deadlines, procedures, and their right to object at a public hearing. Historically, many property owners comply with abatement notices before the hearing date. A final compliance survey was completed on Feb. 10, to determine which properties have satisfactorily abated their nuisances. Properties that comply were removed from the Abatement List before the public hearing.

Common issues addressed in the abatement process include overgrown weeds, grass, and rubbish that detract from community appearance and safety. The abatement of these nuisances enhances the livability, community appearance, and social, economic, and environmental conditions of Newman.

The fiscal impact of the abatement process is mitigated by recompensing abatement costs to the city via a property lien, as provided in NCC §8.02.090. This ensures that the city recovers the costs associated with abating public nuisances.

For more information about the abatement process and to view the Abatement List, residents can visit the City of Newman's website or contact the City Clerk's office.