Editor’s note: Lisa Mills is the author of this report.

At the DeValls Bluff City Council meeting on Thursday (June 11), an ordinance was approved defining and establishing what constitutes a nuisance and establishing penalties for violations. 

The ordinance addresses garbage, rubbish, inoperative vehicles, other things piled up on properties, unsanitary conditions, as well as unkept tall grass and weeds. The ordinance also addresses unsafe or dilapidated buildings or structures. 

When a city employee, designated by the mayor, determines that a violation has occurred, he will give notice to the property owner. The property owner will then have 30 days to clean up the property or face fines of up to $100 per day and any further legal proceedings deemed necessary.

Before the ordinance was approved by a 4-2 vote, there was heated discussion. 

Council member Shirley Goff, who opposed the ordinance said the measure was overboard.

“To me this sounds like we live in Russia. When you own a property, it is yours to do with whatever you want to and live on it however you want to, as long as it’s not hurting anyone else,” she said. “I have no trespassing signs because it is my home and I will live in it however I want to. I don’t care what anyone else thinks. I live in America and I don’t like to be told how to live by anybody.” 

Pam DelGiorno, who also voted against the ordinance, expressed her opposition.

“There are a few things that I don’t agree with. Some of it sounds more like it is for an HOA community to me. I feel like the fines are high, especially for elderly.” 

Mayor Darlene Connor replied that people could ask for help and the city could try to help them.  Goff said,

“I have an old vehicle in my backyard, but it can’t be seen unless someone is prowling around in my backyard, and if I see someone prowling around, trust me they are going to pay for it,” said Goff.

“We aren’t talking about stuff in backyards,” said Connor. 

DelGiorno said she agrees with trash and rubbish being a violation, but if they have a vehicle that needs repair, they should be given a reasonable amount of time to repair it and not fined for every day it sits there. 

“And why should I pay a fine for something in my yard,” added Goff. “I don’t care what it is. It’s my yard. Don’t come telling me what I can and cannot have in my yard and expect me to pay a fine if someone doesn’t like it.” 

Alice Metcalf made a motion to read the ordinance, despite a request for another month to review it.

“Let’s just ram it down everyone’s throat tonight,” said Goff, who later added, “Well, the first time someone comes in my yard, they will be in trouble.”  

Former part-time police officer Zach Mulligan addressed the council concerning the termination of the police department. Last month Mayor Connor dismissed the police chief and a part-time officer, the only two law enforcement officials on duty.

Mulligan read excerpts from the personnel handbook and former ordinances stating that these weren’t followed by the mayor when she terminated Chief Jeremy Murphy or himself. 

He also stated that since the termination and hiring the Sheriff’s department there have been 20 emergency calls and nine non-emergency calls and it took an average of 22 minutes for deputies to respond to the calls. 

“I believe DeValls Bluff citizens deserve better than this and deserve an explanation,” Mulligan said.

He asked the council to consider his observations and take action, but no comments were made from the mayor or any council members.

Mayor Connor asked the new Police Chief to introduce himself. Joey Foster introduced himself and his wife, Kelly. He said that they live in Hazen and he is currently working for the Hazen Police Department. He said he looks forward to working in DeValls Bluff and will do his best to keep the citizens safe.

Mayor Connor reported that Fire Chief Glenn Gladish has resigned and there are currently very few firemen. She said that something has to be done to get more volunteers and take care of the city’s needs as a rural volunteer Fire Department.

Three building permits were approved: Larry Wilson, Jr. for a permanent camper at 350 N. Rumbaugh Street, valued at $10,000; Brian and Jackie Dodson for a 12 x 12 building for a beauty shop at 165 Cypress Street; and Tanner White for a 12 x 24 building, 10 x 12 building and deck for a bait shop at 215 Main Street.