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Concern About Unsightly Weeds Brought Forward to Mundare Council
Concern About Unsightly Weeds Brought Forward to Mundare Council
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Town of Mundare resident Clarence Romanick brought forward a concern about unsightly weeds in Whitetail Crossing during the Aug. 6 town council meeting.
Romanick had sent a letter to Town of Mundare Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla on July 11 and requested to appear before members of town council as soon as possible.
In his letter, Romanick stated that, “The current system of maintenance of the empty lots in whitetail is appalling and needs to be changed. The grass or weeds next to our lot has reached a height of 3 to 3.5 feet, and the town by-law according to you in a previous conversation, is the maximum height is 6 inches. It is July 11 and none of the lots next to us have been cut. This chore is farmed out to others and doesn’t involve the town other than those implementing the by-law. It appears that someone has dropped the ball in order for the vegetation to grow to a height of 3 to 3.5 feet.
I would suggest that the system be changed to ensure that the vegetation is cut when needed, instead of wasting time sending out notifications. Also other municipal jurisdictions require that all lots without houses on them must have grass planted. Why can’t Mundare do the same thing? This would certainly improve the view of Whitetail and make it attractive for prospective builders and home owners to move here.”
Zyla told Romanick that under the Municipal Government Act (MGA) notice must first be given to property owners before any enforcement of the bylaw can be carried out. In some cases, Zyla added, a court order is required before the town can carry out the work.
The bylaw that was referred to is the Community Standards Bylaw No. 902/20. Under Section 3 (4): Uncut grass or weeds on any parcel of land shall be maintained at a height not to exceed 15 cm (6 inches) in length.
According to the ‘Appeal Procedure’ in the bylaw: Any person who receives an order under this bylaw may by written notice request council to review the order within 7 days. Council may confirm, rescind or vary the notice that was given. A person affected by the decision of council may appeal to the Court of Queen’s Bench within 30 days after the date of the decision of council if the procedure required to be followed is not follow or the decision is patently unreasonable.
Zyla told Romanick and members of council that he would speaking to the Bylaw Officer.
Zyla was asked whether unsightly notifications had been sent out. He replied on Aug. 19, saying that administration normally sends out the notices. “I will be talking to our lawyer about what our options are.”
