Huntingburg considering ordinance to address hoarding issues

Huntingburg officials are considering a new ordinance to address hoarding issues within the city. The topic emerged during a recent Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

The proposed ordinance, still in its early stages, was briefly discussed as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and wellness in Huntingburg. Mayor Elkins clarified the status of the draft when questioned by a citizen during the meeting.

Elkins highlighted the primary goal of the proposed ordinance: “The idea is to eliminate the hoarding situations that we have now.” He also hinted at broader initiatives on the horizon, adding, “There will be other, hopefully, changes over the next few months on similar type of situations we have with property in the city of Huntingburg.”

The mayor outlined the next steps in developing the ordinance, indicating that it would involve input from various city departments.

The discussion arose when resident Janet Schnell requested a copy of what she called the “Safety and Wellness Plan” for the city. Elkins clarified that the document in question was specifically related to hoarding issues rather than a comprehensive safety plan.

In response to the citizen’s request, the mayor agreed to release the draft plan, stating, “Yeah, we can release the draft plan.” He instructed the citizen to provide their preferred method of communication to receive the document. “It’s in a very raw form and not ready to be voted on.”

The proposed hoarding ordinance appears to be part of a larger effort to address property-related issues in Huntingburg. While details of the draft plan were not disclosed during the meeting, the mayor’s comments suggest a focus on improving living conditions and safety within the community.

As the ordinance is still in its early stages, it is likely to undergo further revisions and discussions before being presented for approval. The involvement of multiple city departments indicates a comprehensive approach to addressing hoarding issues, considering various aspects such as code enforcement, public safety, and health concerns.