At Wednesday’s Land Planning and Development Committee meeting, City Manager Jerry Moss complained to members about landlords who dump the contents of rental units into the street.
Normally, the city will charge $75 or more, Moss informed committee member Lonnie Davis and Henderson City Council members Elissa Yount and Mary Emma Evans, who also attended the meeting, .
“They think they have free rein,” Moss said.
If there is no water on in the house, there is no one the city can bill.
Moss stated that he would like City Attorney John Zollicoffer to draft an ordinance saying that landlords will be billed for such dumping.
“We’re getting killed with that stuff every month,” Moss stated, referring to the cost of removal.
Yount suggested that residents be given an incentive to report illegal dumping.
Evans said that if a landlord is going to dump, they should be made to call the city.
Moss indicated that he was willing to try any solution to the problem. He asked those present why tenants were leaving furniture in the rentals.
Evans responded that they do not have anywhere to put the furniture because they do not have anywhere to go.
Yount indicated that the trash in the street blocked the flow of storm water. City Engineer Frank Frazier agreed, adding that the blocking of leaves and debris was the worst part of the problem.
Evans said that someone is being paid to enforce “this stuff”.
“All of us,” she said, indicated the council members at the table.
Moss indicated that an ordinance making the owner responsible should be passed. Bobby Gupton, chair of the committee, agreed, stating he would be in favor of it.