§ 20-2. Stagnant water, filth, etc.

(a)

Should any owner of any lot or lots that have places thereon where stagnant water may accumulate and/or which are not properly drained, or the owner of any premises or buildings upon which carrion, filth or other impure or unwholesome matter may be, fail and/or refuse to drain and/or clean the same lots, or remove such filth, carrion or other impure or unwholesome matter, as the case may be, the city shall assess such fines or penalties. If the owner's address is not known then in that event, the city may do such filing or drainage, or removal of filth, carrion, etc., or remove any other unsightly objectionable or unsanitary matter, or cause the same to be done, and may pay therefor and charge the expenses incurred in doing such work or having such work done or improvements made to the owner of such lot or lots or real estate.

(b)

A minimum fee of $150.00 shall be charged to the property owners if the city has to remove stagnant water or other impure or unwholesome matter from such lot or lots. If work performed requires over an hour, $75.00 for half an hour, or portion thereafter, will be charged.

(c)

The city shall notify, in writing, or by personal delivery by city personnel, the property owner of the payment and give a 15-day period in which to pay the amount. At the same time, the city shall notify the property owner if such expense is not paid in a 15-day period; the expense shall be assessed on the real estate, or lots upon which such expense was incurred. In such event, a fee of $250.00 shall be paid by the property owner for legal fees including the filing of liens.

(Ord. No. 2004-01, 6-2-2004)

State law reference

Municipal power concerning filth, carrion, and other unwholesome matter, Texas Health and Safety Code § 342.003.