ITEM TITLE:
Consider adopting a resolution that declares Aloha Trailer Park located at SW 20th and D Avenue a public nuisance pursuant to Lawton City Code 15-2-201. Also consider directing the City Attorney to bring a nuisance abatement suit against Ms. Jo Ann Porter, the proprietor and owner of Aloha Trailer Park in Comanche County District Court pursuant to 50 Okla.St. Ann. § 17.
INITIATOR: Michael Cleghorn, City Manager and John Ratliff, City Attorney
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: Corey Bowen, Neighborhood Services Supervisor, Charlotte Brown, Code Plans Supervisor and Mr. Gregory Gibson, Assistant City Attorney
BACKGROUND: Ms. Jo Ann Porter has received several (20) citations over the last several months for litter refuse and trash build-up on her property. Despite repeated warnings from code enforcement officers and the aforementioned citations, Ms. Porter has neglected to abate the trash and litter to an acceptable standard. Neighborhood Services has been forced to abate the trash at Aloha Trailer Park on three separate occasions and attached liens against the property for failure to pay fees now exceeding $3,000. Additionally, Ms. Porter allows a vagrant to squat on the property. He lives in a dwelling located within the trailer park that is covered by a series of tarps. Moreover, the vagrant has aggressively confronted code enforcement officers when they have issued citations in the past. The blighted conditions at Aloha Trailer Park affects the entire surrounding neighborhood by annoying its residents by endangering their comfort, repose, health, and safety. The neighbors frequently complain about the condition of the trailer park. Ms. Porter has been operating Aloha Trailer Park without a valid permit for nearly three years.
EXHIBIT: Resolution 21---__, Notices and Photos
KEY ISSUES: Penalties, fees, abatement, squatters and unlawful operation
FUNDING SOURCE: General Fund
STAFF RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: Pass the resolution and authorize the City Attorney to initiate a Title 50 Nuisance Abatement Action in District Court against Ms. Jo Ann Porter.