Spring’s here, so is property cleanup

It’s spring right now, despite the recent weather which sent us more snow. With spring comes clean-up duties for all of us, and the city council has that in mind, too.
    Imperial’s nuisance officer was at Monday’s city council meeting, informing the council they are ready to get back into “review mode” when they examine parts of town for compliance with the city’s nuisance codes.
    All nuisance reviews were halted the past year due to COVID-19, and direction from Mayor Dwight Coleman. With all of the concerns with COVID, he didn’t want residents to be burdened with something else.
    But things are getting back to normal and that means keeping our properties cleared of nuisance items. It really should be something we take care of year-round, but the past year was something none of us has experienced.
    While the council has yet to decide which areas are going to be reviewed for nuisance violations this year, one thing that will get immediate attention early next month are dead trees.
    Officials with West Central Nebraska Development District (WCNDD), who serves as the city’s nuisance officer, said 52 letters went out to property owners a year and a half ago with concerns about their dead trees. Some may have been cleaned up the past year, but they’ll be looking at those 52 first. The entire community will be reviewed for condition of trees, as well.
    It’s expected at the May 3 meeting the council will also decide which areas of Imperial will be reviewed this year for other nuisance issues. Imperial is split into seven sections for nuisance review, but it appears areas in the north and northeast parts of town may be worked this year.
    A lot of people complain that nuisance codes aren’t fair, and people should be able store what they want on their properties outside. However, we all have neighbors and we should remember they live next door and see it, too. Some realtors believe an unkempt property next door will affect your property values when trying to sell.
    So, welcome spring! We have a lot of events back on the schedule this summer after a year of cancellations. Let’s continue to make our properties reflect a proud community which is known for its clean appearance.