A Red Deer resident must clean up clutter on two properties, including one where possessions encroached on a city-owned property.
Red Deer city council this week supported three orders issued in late January against Dell Price — two for one property at 5328 44th Ave. and the third at 3710 44th St. The orders came under the land-use bylaw and community standards bylaw.
Price must get rid of cement, uprooted bushes and other goods at the 44th Street property, a site that came to the attention of the city following a complaint.
The much bigger job is at 44th Avenue, where part of a fence must be brought down to 90 cm. Cleanup includes getting rid of various equipment, loose construction material and the removal of an old truck.
From June 2005 to February 2009, there were 37 files of correspondence on the larger site, between the city and Price.
“This property has an ongoing history of noncompliance and despite the effort of several compliance officers over at least four years, the situation has not improved,” said Russ Pye, Inspections, Enforcement and Buildings supervisor.
“It has in fact deteriorated to the point where the accumulation of items has expanded to the adjacent lot owned by the City of Red Deer and to the areas in front and back of his property.”
Edmonton area consultant John Haunholter, acting on behalf of Price, said the issue on 44th Avenue arose from a property owner who no longer lives in the area.
“You have this property bounded by this fence,” said Haunholter during Monday’s hearing. “The visibility of those property items from street level would not cause concern.”
Haunholter shared letters from three neighbours who vouched that the 44th Avenue property gave them no concern.
“Dell has been renovating and building on to his home on 44th Avenue, and has greatly improved the appearance of his property,” said one letter.
Price must abide by the orders by noon, June 19. Otherwise, administration has authority under the Municipal Government Act to take action.
“As long as this continues to go on, quite frankly, it’s a cost to the taxpayers,” said Councillor Gail Parks.
Mayor Morris Flewwelling said the cleanup bill would be added to Price’s property taxes.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com