OSWEGO – A discussion concerning the use of rental signs in the City of Oswego and the proposed Nuisance Abatement Law were the main topics examined during last night’s Common Council Meeting, June 22.
During last Monday’s June 15 Committee Meeting, the Council discussed amending the Code Enforcement Sign Law, in an effort to prohibit rental signs from being displayed on properties in certain zones within city limits.
At that time, the council decided to draw up an amendment that would permit signs with the caveat that landlords must have their tax bill, water bill and rental permits checked before obtaining a city issued sign.
Leading up to last night’s discussion, 2nd Ward Councilor Shawn Walker proposed a second amendment that would eliminate both the water and tax bill caveats, using only the rental permit to obtain a sign from the city.
During last evening’s public session, Mayor Billy Barlow read an email from Broker and Century 21 Owner William Galloway. Galloway urged the council to allow the use of rental signs, citing concerns with the potential citywide ban.
“In my professional opinion and in dealing with brokers from around the country, I believe the city should still allow for a landlord or a property manager to place a professional sign with the Zoning Office regulations to rent properties for a limited time,” Galloway said. “In marketing and selling real estate, the real estate sign is still very important because there are still numerous people who don’t have access to internet and do not use the newspaper for active rental listings. Signs for rental properties and for sale properties are still important in our market.”
Last night’s vote was to establish a public hearing only. The official vote will take place three weeks from now, on Monday, July 13.
Another issue discussed in the meeting, was the Nuisance Abatement Law, a new piece of code violation legislation that would replace the existing point system.
The new legislation would allow a committee to take action against consistently problematic and disruptive properties that fall outside the jurisdiction of the Code Enforcement Office and the Oswego Police Department.
“We feel that this legislation will help address those properties that we just haven’t seemed to be able to improve or control,” Barlow said. “The criteria is at least two criminal convictions in one year or numerous investigations or responses by the police department.”
Property owners will be entitled to a hearing by the Nuisance Abatement Committee, which will include the Head of Code Enforcement, the Chief of Police, the City Attorney and two citizens who do not hold rental permits in the City of Oswego.
Last night’s vote was to establish a public hearing, with the official vote taking place three weeks from now, Monday, July 13. All resolutions for last night’s meeting were passed.
Anyone with questions or concerns is welcome to contact the mayor’s office (315-342-8136) or their ward councilor for more information. The public hearing on the Nuisance Abatement Law will be held Monday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m.
All Common Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. For more information on the agenda, it can be found here. A video of the meeting can be seen on the city website once available.
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