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What’s the best way to get people to take better care of their property?
Problems with trash and unkempt homes are frequently pointed out. What’s the answer?
— Opinion Editor Pat Bushey
— Opinion Editor Pat Bushey
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of HeraldAndNews.com. Comment Disclaimer: The editors of heraldandnews.com reserve the right to refuse publication of any comment posted for consideration. We may refuse for any reason, including use of profanity, disparaging comments, libelous comments, etc. Any reader who notices a comment they believe is particularly offensive, should notify us at webmaster@heraldandnews.com.
a good start wrote on Dec 31, 2008 4:28 PM:
" this would be a good start...how about the city do thier jobs..take the tax dollars we pay you and use them instead of abuse them.
You tell us keep our side walks clear or face a fine..no problem...live by your own rules..keep the streets clear and safe to drive on and in good repair or face loosing your job. what good does it do to have a nice clear sidewalk to walk on and when you go to step into the street you break your leg in a pothole that is in the city crosswalk? or the sidewalk is clear of snow but the street you must cross has 18inches of snow in it?
Dont be selective in who you choose to sick the code enforcement "people" on...if it applies to one it applies to all otherwise it will look like to profiling a certin type of people.
Our code enforcement dept needs a top to bottom cleaning including the person who supervises the entire code enforcement division.
People want tourist to come here and spend $, guess what they wont because this place looks like a getto. "
You tell us keep our side walks clear or face a fine..no problem...live by your own rules..keep the streets clear and safe to drive on and in good repair or face loosing your job. what good does it do to have a nice clear sidewalk to walk on and when you go to step into the street you break your leg in a pothole that is in the city crosswalk? or the sidewalk is clear of snow but the street you must cross has 18inches of snow in it?
Dont be selective in who you choose to sick the code enforcement "people" on...if it applies to one it applies to all otherwise it will look like to profiling a certin type of people.
Our code enforcement dept needs a top to bottom cleaning including the person who supervises the entire code enforcement division.
People want tourist to come here and spend $, guess what they wont because this place looks like a getto. "
CM wrote on Dec 31, 2008 11:41 AM:
" Downtown parking enforcement is paid out of parking fines and other revenue of the Downtown Parking District. The district is operated for the benefit of downtown businesses which need to assure available customer parking.
City Code Enforcement is paid for out of general city revenues. The City has 3 full time Code Enforcement Officers who operate in almost exactly the way Pride suggests (observation or complaint, notification, voluntary compliance or enforcement). In 2008 City Code Enforcement dealt with 2800 cases and had voluntary compliance in 80% of them. The reminder would have been dealt with by enforcement fees or Municipal Court. "
City Code Enforcement is paid for out of general city revenues. The City has 3 full time Code Enforcement Officers who operate in almost exactly the way Pride suggests (observation or complaint, notification, voluntary compliance or enforcement). In 2008 City Code Enforcement dealt with 2800 cases and had voluntary compliance in 80% of them. The reminder would have been dealt with by enforcement fees or Municipal Court. "
Pride wrote on Dec 31, 2008 7:12 AM:
" Your on to something there Bini, if we can afford to have a guy walk Downtown handing out parking tickets, put him in a vehicle twice a week with a digital camera and have him start making rounds and recording address' to go with the pictures. Then send a letter with a 30 day notice to clean it up and provide proof or pay the fine and make it hurt. That will raise some income and help to clean up the area "
Moving Away wrote on Dec 30, 2008 7:04 PM:
" My personal opinion is this, move away!
K Falls wants to encourage tourism which is in direct opposition to the lazyness of many of its citizens and most of its leaders.
Lazy people need to be led but our leaders are just as lazy as those they should be leading.
They are politicians, plain and simple, and do what is best to assure they will keep their jobs, but we should do everything in our power to see that they don't.
My wife and I are tired of the dishonesty, corruption, and blatent disregard of our city and county officials to do their jobs.
As much as I hate the mess in this county, we have no one to blame but our nonresponsive leaders.
So, we are moving away where the leaders lead and they have laws that are enforced. "
K Falls wants to encourage tourism which is in direct opposition to the lazyness of many of its citizens and most of its leaders.
Lazy people need to be led but our leaders are just as lazy as those they should be leading.
They are politicians, plain and simple, and do what is best to assure they will keep their jobs, but we should do everything in our power to see that they don't.
My wife and I are tired of the dishonesty, corruption, and blatent disregard of our city and county officials to do their jobs.
As much as I hate the mess in this county, we have no one to blame but our nonresponsive leaders.
So, we are moving away where the leaders lead and they have laws that are enforced. "
JB wrote on Dec 30, 2008 4:15 PM:
" Literate Oregonian:
Life must be exhausting for you, expecting perfection from others. "
Life must be exhausting for you, expecting perfection from others. "
bini wrote on Dec 30, 2008 2:18 PM:
" The city will hand out fines to those who do not cut the grass, but its ok if your yard and alley look like the city dump. What's up with that? Start handing out hefty fines that is dismissable if the yard is cleaned up.(with Proof) "
Funny wrote on Dec 30, 2008 12:11 PM:
" Get-R-done eyehearya, people who need to point out how edumacated they are come off as annoying......... "
just a few thoughts wrote on Dec 30, 2008 11:37 AM:
" To eyehearya,
Dont be down on folks just because they were educated in Klamath Falls and are not as smart as you think you are.
Something else to consider. I just drove around our little City, The streets around the down town safeway are a total mess and have not been plowed. Lets see, if the people in that area do not clear their sidewalks before 8am they are subject to fines, however the city fails to perform their jobs (paid for by the tax payers) to keep the streets safe and driveable.
If you think that not providing the basic services that we pay for will inspire people to take better care of their property then your about as bright as eyehearya. "
Dont be down on folks just because they were educated in Klamath Falls and are not as smart as you think you are.
Something else to consider. I just drove around our little City, The streets around the down town safeway are a total mess and have not been plowed. Lets see, if the people in that area do not clear their sidewalks before 8am they are subject to fines, however the city fails to perform their jobs (paid for by the tax payers) to keep the streets safe and driveable.
If you think that not providing the basic services that we pay for will inspire people to take better care of their property then your about as bright as eyehearya. "
eyehearya wrote on Dec 30, 2008 1:36 AM:
" Well done, literate O(<)regonian. I also think that if people write (<use the English language) correctly its’ alot more easier for thems’ words to be taken seriously. Please everyone, if your not 100% accurate in you’re spelling or use of convayings word forms and variances correctingly, then please, yours thoughts don’s desserved too be herd. They’re ‘l.o.’, I think that will inspire there renewed interest in expressing grammar in a correctly forrmat so they can express there opinions. PS: Great points about the subject at hand (comma) literate oregonian! "
literate oregonian wrote on Dec 29, 2008 10:09 PM:
" It's a lot easier to be taken seriously when you write correctly. "There" means a location, like "over there". "Their" is a possessive pronoun meaning "belonging to them". "They're" is a contraction meaning "they are". This is just a starter list, but it's really not rocket science. Educate yourselves, people!
And oh yeah, clean up your weedy gardens while you're at it. "
And oh yeah, clean up your weedy gardens while you're at it. "
L.C. wrote on Dec 29, 2008 8:14 PM:
" In looking at all these comments, I would have to agree that our problem boils down to this: we have lazy people here who don't care about their community or themselves, we have too much poverty which means people have to be slobs, we have ineffective government who won't address the problem or enforce codes, and we have a terrible garbage company. Wow! I would say we have a hopeless situation with no solutions. Either like it and live with it, or move to a nicer town!! Nothing is going to ever change here folks! "
Sarah wrote on Dec 29, 2008 7:07 PM:
" Hot dog stand, yes, that needs to go. Storage shed sales, has to go also. Been there one time and there was nothing but 'gangsta' type hats, shirts, and useless kids shirts. There are already too many boys running around town w/ their flat brimmed 'bling' hats lol. "
JB wrote on Dec 29, 2008 7:00 PM:
" I think for every car or car part someone has in there yard, driveway, pasture etc... it needs to be registered with the DMV. Just think of the revenue it would create for the state of Oregon. If the property owner refuses to register their junk then it can be hauled away to a real junk yard or better yet turned into useful products such as paper clips. This would clean up yards, create revenue and provide at least 4 full time positions in Klamath County alone. "
Moving to K Falls wrote on Dec 29, 2008 4:30 PM:
" Oh, the hot dog place! I remember seeing that when I was in KF over the summer, and I asked my friend, "How do they get away with running a restaurant out of a storage shed? Don't you have a health department?" "
MEG wrote on Dec 29, 2008 3:55 PM:
" HA, i think people should care enough about their property that this isn't an issue, but i understand, I care, but I married the other :) "
D.A. wrote on Dec 29, 2008 12:51 PM:
" Sometimes people need a little help, try that and see how it works in your neighborhood. "
eyehearya wrote on Dec 29, 2008 11:32 AM:
" Amy: Stop complaining and go buy some hot dogs. Lol, I know where you are talking about and feel the same way. I understand that the storage shed owner has to liquidate the property from abandoned units but it shouldn't be every week and in a high visibility location. What seems stranger to me are the businesses that run out of the location. Seems like there is or should be a law against doing that. One of my complaints is the guy that has the 340 day a year yard sale on Altamont. I know proceeds go to a church but it is really an eye sore...not to mention a traffic hazard when there are multiple parked cars on the side of the road from the people browsing. For him it’s a conscious decision to keep a residence that looks like it belongs in a Sanford & Son episode. "
Amen wrote on Dec 29, 2008 10:07 AM:
" Bob,
People park in their yard in the summer not the winter. You look dumb if you park in your yard.
Time for this town to grow up. You maintain it like your parents are gone for the weekend. "
People park in their yard in the summer not the winter. You look dumb if you park in your yard.
Time for this town to grow up. You maintain it like your parents are gone for the weekend. "
Pride wrote on Dec 29, 2008 8:58 AM:
" C'mon no one is too busy to take care of thier lawn, you may have let it get to the point that you are going to have to schedule a week of outside chores.
But really I work 70 hours a week and manage to keep the lawn mowed the chickens, goats and horses fed and the house clean (kinda) LOL.
There is no real excuse that works, if you cant afford to water it then it won't grow and all you have to do is keep the weeds wacked. As far as the junk goes there is recycling yard sales Etc. that can help you afford a dump run or two.
Don't think that donating all your free time makes you a martyr as someone once told me (you put your tongue against the roof of your mouth and you say no!) how can you save the world if you can't manage to save yourself. "
But really I work 70 hours a week and manage to keep the lawn mowed the chickens, goats and horses fed and the house clean (kinda) LOL.
There is no real excuse that works, if you cant afford to water it then it won't grow and all you have to do is keep the weeds wacked. As far as the junk goes there is recycling yard sales Etc. that can help you afford a dump run or two.
Don't think that donating all your free time makes you a martyr as someone once told me (you put your tongue against the roof of your mouth and you say no!) how can you save the world if you can't manage to save yourself. "
movong to KF wrote on Dec 29, 2008 8:56 AM:
" Calvin,
You are right about how it is sometimes difficult to determine what constitutes a violation. Here is what the ordinance in my current city says about trash:
"It is unlawful for any person to throw, place, or scatter any garbage, rubbish, trash, or other refuse over or upon any premises, street, alley, either public or private, or to suffer or permit any garbage, rubbish, trash or other refuse to be placed or deposited on the premises owned, occupied or controlled by such person either with or without the intent to later remove, cover, or burn it."
What do you do about the person who who fills their yard with what they see as valuable possessions, when others see it as an ugly collection of junk? When we encounter junk cars or piles of old building materials, we turn it over to our Planning department for enforcement under a general outdoor storage ordinance or a specific junk car ordinance. Unfortunately the Planning department often ignores this stuff because it's our phones that ring with complaints, not theirs. It is a matter of local government taking, or not taking, initiative to enforce the laws we have.
The other side of the coin is that there are some people who will call in and demand immediate action if the encounter a single beer bottle on the sidewalk while they are walking their dog. Being a city worker with the responsibility of enforcing this stuff is a balancing act in itself. Someone is always mad at you. I try to go after the worst stuff and repeat offenders get no mercy from me. Unless you are sick or old there is no excuse for not picking up your trash and keeping your yard decent, and believe me I've heard lots and lots of excuses. I think one of the funniest ones I've heard was from the person on this blog who said they were too busy volunteering to clean up their yard. If you can't deal with your own issues you're spending too much time working on other people's issues. "
You are right about how it is sometimes difficult to determine what constitutes a violation. Here is what the ordinance in my current city says about trash:
"It is unlawful for any person to throw, place, or scatter any garbage, rubbish, trash, or other refuse over or upon any premises, street, alley, either public or private, or to suffer or permit any garbage, rubbish, trash or other refuse to be placed or deposited on the premises owned, occupied or controlled by such person either with or without the intent to later remove, cover, or burn it."
What do you do about the person who who fills their yard with what they see as valuable possessions, when others see it as an ugly collection of junk? When we encounter junk cars or piles of old building materials, we turn it over to our Planning department for enforcement under a general outdoor storage ordinance or a specific junk car ordinance. Unfortunately the Planning department often ignores this stuff because it's our phones that ring with complaints, not theirs. It is a matter of local government taking, or not taking, initiative to enforce the laws we have.
The other side of the coin is that there are some people who will call in and demand immediate action if the encounter a single beer bottle on the sidewalk while they are walking their dog. Being a city worker with the responsibility of enforcing this stuff is a balancing act in itself. Someone is always mad at you. I try to go after the worst stuff and repeat offenders get no mercy from me. Unless you are sick or old there is no excuse for not picking up your trash and keeping your yard decent, and believe me I've heard lots and lots of excuses. I think one of the funniest ones I've heard was from the person on this blog who said they were too busy volunteering to clean up their yard. If you can't deal with your own issues you're spending too much time working on other people's issues. "
Calvin wrote on Dec 29, 2008 4:40 AM:
" It's a slippery slope. Balancing people's privacy and rights against how others view their "mess" is tricky. While junk in people's yards may affect general economic issues such as tourism and may lower neighboring property values, the code has to first be clear on what constitutes a violation...then it has to be enforced. Fat chance. What this boils down to is a persons own sense of responsibility. Lacking that...good luck. "
bob wrote on Dec 28, 2008 6:42 PM:
" I'd rather see people park in the yard so the snow plow can go by then be in the street and our roads get worse. "
Mary wrote on Dec 28, 2008 5:10 PM:
" Here's an idea for encouraging those who are NOT disabled nor old. Embarass them, by sincerely asking if they are having problems and needing help, and offering to help. I remember once when my husband was supposed to mow the lawn or hire someone to do it, and one day the landlady showed up and started to mow the lawn. Was I ever embarassed, and my husband too. The lawn got mowed regularly after that. "
Amen wrote on Dec 28, 2008 11:30 AM:
" Hornet,
You've got 30 minutes to mow your lawn.
Keeping your place clean is volunteering in your niehborhood. "
You've got 30 minutes to mow your lawn.
Keeping your place clean is volunteering in your niehborhood. "
jim w wrote on Dec 28, 2008 9:16 AM:
" Pride doesn't cost anything! Most of these problems start at home not being taught by their parents to be responsible citizens. Klamath Falls is not a very pretty town. No one is asking for your property to look fabulous just clean. The city should enforce their regulations otherwise take the regulations out of the books. "
New WM wrote on Dec 28, 2008 8:21 AM:
" We need a waste management company that isn't afraid to come out when there is a speck of snow on the ground. It's been 3 weeks since they picked up our garbage because we live on a hill. At this rate, it's going to be spring before they can get here. Are neighborhood is beginning to look like something in East LA.
You call there office and they say that they are closed because of the weather. If you call the backdoor number to there office, guess what, someone is there answering the phones. How dishonest is that?
WM needs competition, and I hope the Commissioners remember how awful these people are when it comes time to renew there contract. "
You call there office and they say that they are closed because of the weather. If you call the backdoor number to there office, guess what, someone is there answering the phones. How dishonest is that?
WM needs competition, and I hope the Commissioners remember how awful these people are when it comes time to renew there contract. "
Come On wrote on Dec 27, 2008 6:09 PM:
" To Hornet...
Volunteering is a great thing, more people should do it. But when you live in a house, even if it's rented, you have an obligation to your neighbors and the community to keep it looking decent. There are no excuses! I bet your neighbors would like to see you doing less volunteering and more upkeep on your home. So many people like you find every excuse in the world not to take of the basics in life (self, family & home). This community is trashy because so many people either don't care or have all kind of excuses why they can't take care of their property. "
Volunteering is a great thing, more people should do it. But when you live in a house, even if it's rented, you have an obligation to your neighbors and the community to keep it looking decent. There are no excuses! I bet your neighbors would like to see you doing less volunteering and more upkeep on your home. So many people like you find every excuse in the world not to take of the basics in life (self, family & home). This community is trashy because so many people either don't care or have all kind of excuses why they can't take care of their property. "
fnord wrote on Dec 27, 2008 3:14 PM:
" Making people who are already broke pay a fine doesn't seem like such a great idea. If your neighbors house starts to look scary, ask if they need some help, and do what you can for them. They may be sick, without one utility or another, injured, elderly, whatever. Even if they're drug addicts they would probably appreciate the help, and by helping you might give them some incentive to clean themselves up. "
Hornet wrote on Dec 27, 2008 3:09 PM:
" We have DT's problem... We're very busy working during these tough times, plus we feel it's most important to volunteer in the community to help others. Sometimes it just gets so hard to get home by even 10 at night.
If you wish us to mow our lawn on YOUR schedule, then might we ask that YOU begin to help more with the community volunteering, so that we have time to mow the lawn on a very routine basis.
If you want, we can wear headlamps to mow the lawn. Oh, if we were to ask your teenagers to mow our lawn for us (for a wage), would he/she say yes or no? Same thing with shoveling. We've asked around the neighborhood, but seems the kids must have their own trust fund.
If you're willing to help with volunteering, please start by looking at the H&N site:
http://www.heraldandnews.com/community/#volunteering
Many organizations need help now more than ever. Might you help, too? What about your kids? How about helping out those older/disabled neighbors? "
If you wish us to mow our lawn on YOUR schedule, then might we ask that YOU begin to help more with the community volunteering, so that we have time to mow the lawn on a very routine basis.
If you want, we can wear headlamps to mow the lawn. Oh, if we were to ask your teenagers to mow our lawn for us (for a wage), would he/she say yes or no? Same thing with shoveling. We've asked around the neighborhood, but seems the kids must have their own trust fund.
If you're willing to help with volunteering, please start by looking at the H&N site:
http://www.heraldandnews.com/community/#volunteering
Many organizations need help now more than ever. Might you help, too? What about your kids? How about helping out those older/disabled neighbors? "
Amen wrote on Dec 27, 2008 11:37 AM:
" Don't park your car on your lawn.
Don't park your camper in your front yard.
Don't keep chickens in your yard.
Clean up trash in your yard.
Don't leave tools laying in your yard.
It's easy and your lazy. You don't need money to do any of the above. "
Don't park your camper in your front yard.
Don't keep chickens in your yard.
Clean up trash in your yard.
Don't leave tools laying in your yard.
It's easy and your lazy. You don't need money to do any of the above. "
Amy wrote on Dec 27, 2008 8:55 AM:
" Code enforcement in the county is a JOKE. We own a business that is down the street from some of these storage units who also have year-round garage sales operated out of them. I called the county, took photographs of the mess, went to the county offices in person... and was given a run around. They don't care. I was told that they don't have enough employees to take care of things like that.
We have a beautiful business with a clean, attractive street presence. Down the street it's one trashy dump after the next. And the county does nothing to fix it. My parents moved here from another part of the country last year and were shocked at all of the unkept homes with junk in the yards. WHY are we tolerating this from our local government? Something needs to be done.
I also agree with what some have said about a free dump day. In Salt Lake City twice a year you could set ANYTHING you wanted on the side of the street & the city would pick it up. Anything. Why don't they do that here? Then they could ticket the people who still have a the junk because there would be no excuse. THEN the county could make some money TO HIRE MORE CODE ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEES. It's a win-win-win situation. "
We have a beautiful business with a clean, attractive street presence. Down the street it's one trashy dump after the next. And the county does nothing to fix it. My parents moved here from another part of the country last year and were shocked at all of the unkept homes with junk in the yards. WHY are we tolerating this from our local government? Something needs to be done.
I also agree with what some have said about a free dump day. In Salt Lake City twice a year you could set ANYTHING you wanted on the side of the street & the city would pick it up. Anything. Why don't they do that here? Then they could ticket the people who still have a the junk because there would be no excuse. THEN the county could make some money TO HIRE MORE CODE ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEES. It's a win-win-win situation. "
Pride wrote on Dec 26, 2008 7:32 AM:
" I have stated before, it is a matter of pride you can harrass people, fine people, and every other negative you can think of, but until our own self image is improved people will only do what is required by law. Although I do have to say having something in place would be a start. We live in a beautiful area and we have so much potential. "
moving to KF wrote on Dec 26, 2008 5:29 AM:
" JR, you reminded me of another good program that my city has. Each year my department sponsors two neighborhood cleanups. We pay for a dumpster, a brush chipper, a metal recycling dumpster, and a hazmat recycling truck. City employees and neighborhood volunteers staff the location, often a church parking lot, where neighborhood residents can bring their stuff. We also use city trucks to cruise the neighborhood , loading up trash when we find it. It is expensive, and it can be frustrating to haul away someone's trash while the sit inside watching television, but it really helps keep the place looking better and it instills a sense of partnership among the neighbors who have helped , and also with the city employees. "
got tired wrote on Dec 26, 2008 2:36 AM:
" I finally got fed up with all the regulations that Waste Management has put on the poor people. The can cannot be of a certain size ...the trash cannot be to heavy...if the lid does not close we don't pick it up..what crap
I finally just bought 8 garbage cans and take them into the dump myself.
People its a lot cheaper!
With all the unemployment there should be a individual out there who could do it for a lot less than Waste Management!
Local goverment should put together a team of subs who do garbage removal at a great price and aproach these unsightly individuals houses with their contact info..
Some of these people are just old and cannot do the work themselves, we have a lot of older people who need a helping hand not a ticket. "
I finally just bought 8 garbage cans and take them into the dump myself.
People its a lot cheaper!
With all the unemployment there should be a individual out there who could do it for a lot less than Waste Management!
Local goverment should put together a team of subs who do garbage removal at a great price and aproach these unsightly individuals houses with their contact info..
Some of these people are just old and cannot do the work themselves, we have a lot of older people who need a helping hand not a ticket. "
JR wrote on Dec 25, 2008 5:18 PM:
" moving to kf..
It would be very nice if our city would take up some laws such as yours. As greedy as this town sometimes seems to be, Im very surprised they do not already do this. I know that when Ive called code enforcement, they also have similar guidelines. A certain amount of days to contact owner. Then owners have a set amount of time to respond, etc. But it seems as if some people just dont care about their surroundings. Maybe it's the large amount of hud housing and KF having a large amount of people under poverty level. Hopefully our town will decide its time to beautify itself. I know on our way to the coast last summer, we saw one of the towns having a 'clean up' day. There were way over a hundred residents (that we saw) out picking up trash and pulling weeds all over the town we drove through. Why can't we have that kind of pride here? "
It would be very nice if our city would take up some laws such as yours. As greedy as this town sometimes seems to be, Im very surprised they do not already do this. I know that when Ive called code enforcement, they also have similar guidelines. A certain amount of days to contact owner. Then owners have a set amount of time to respond, etc. But it seems as if some people just dont care about their surroundings. Maybe it's the large amount of hud housing and KF having a large amount of people under poverty level. Hopefully our town will decide its time to beautify itself. I know on our way to the coast last summer, we saw one of the towns having a 'clean up' day. There were way over a hundred residents (that we saw) out picking up trash and pulling weeds all over the town we drove through. Why can't we have that kind of pride here? "
moving to KF wrote on Dec 25, 2008 12:14 PM:
" I work for a small city in Indiana. Part of my job is enforcement of our local trash and weeds law. Here we can ticket the property owner and issue a $50 fine, or a warning. If the trash is not gone or the lawn mowed in 7 days we can start issuing daily tickets, hire a contractor to do the cleanup or mowing (with a police escort if necessary), and place a lien on the property to cover the cost of the cleanup. If the property is a rental the landlord is responsible for the fines unless they provide us with a copy of the lease within 7 days of the citation.
It's an effective system that is loved by some and hated by others, and you can probably guess who the lovers and the haters are.
Klamath Falls is a great place. I would encourage the city government to consider an ordinance like the one we have here. Though the goal is not to produce revenue, the fines do help to defray the cost of enforcement.
I've been on the front lines with this stuff for several years, and I don't buy the argument that some people don't have the time or money to keep their property looking clean and decent. That's horse manure. If you've got a houseful of kids, cleaning up the yard is a great family activity. Most "problem properties" are caused by people who just don't care. "
It's an effective system that is loved by some and hated by others, and you can probably guess who the lovers and the haters are.
Klamath Falls is a great place. I would encourage the city government to consider an ordinance like the one we have here. Though the goal is not to produce revenue, the fines do help to defray the cost of enforcement.
I've been on the front lines with this stuff for several years, and I don't buy the argument that some people don't have the time or money to keep their property looking clean and decent. That's horse manure. If you've got a houseful of kids, cleaning up the yard is a great family activity. Most "problem properties" are caused by people who just don't care. "
BBD wrote on Dec 25, 2008 12:12 AM:
" Trashbaby, WM lies about there drivers using turn signals, why should they bother letting people know when they're picking up your trash. They also don't return phone calls placed to there local office. "
Trashbaby wrote on Dec 24, 2008 3:03 PM:
" So I'm wondering when or if we will see trash service in some areas of this community before spring?
Can anyone answer this for us?
WM has corporate offices, they have phones, look on-line for that info. The customer service number here goes to Portland. "
Can anyone answer this for us?
WM has corporate offices, they have phones, look on-line for that info. The customer service number here goes to Portland. "
Home Owner wrote on Dec 24, 2008 9:23 AM:
" It is not always the home owner who has issues. Currently in our higher end neighborhood, we can't get waste management to recover our trash because they are considering our roads as too hazardous for their drivers. Only problem with that excuse is, our road was clear yesterday, enough that any car that wanted to could travel on it yet, the Garbage trucks couldn't. And last week, the recycling truck could make it but the Garbage truck couldn't. And now if you try to call their office, their recording tells you that their office is closed and will only reopen when their staff can safely get to work.
So I'm wondering when or if we will see trash service in some areas of this community before spring?
Can anyone answer this for us? "
So I'm wondering when or if we will see trash service in some areas of this community before spring?
Can anyone answer this for us? "
JR wrote on Dec 23, 2008 9:15 AM:
" How about we go help neighbors with their yards. We've had to help our family keep things kempt. If just one person goes and helps one family member or friend who cant clean up their yards, maybe it might help clean up our area.
How about someone helps that house on shasta with the orange truck full of trash?? When walking by we have to hold our breath in the summer time. "
How about someone helps that house on shasta with the orange truck full of trash?? When walking by we have to hold our breath in the summer time. "
Kate wrote on Dec 22, 2008 4:06 PM:
" Even though folks are running low on money these days, that's no excuse for having trash in the yard. They may not be able to "beautify" their property but there is nothing more than laziness preventing them from keeping things tidy.
No matter how many hours a week you work, if you dedicate just one hour cleaning up the yard it will slowly but surely improve and be easier to maintain.
Making new laws would spell disaster. Expensive to enforce, expenses to property owners that are already on strained budgets.
Perhaps folks who have the time to help others could form a local organization to help others with the removal of trash and debris. Something similar to the adopt a Highway program. Rather than griping about it, do something to help.
Sometimes folks just become overwhelmed and don't know where to begin. "
No matter how many hours a week you work, if you dedicate just one hour cleaning up the yard it will slowly but surely improve and be easier to maintain.
Making new laws would spell disaster. Expensive to enforce, expenses to property owners that are already on strained budgets.
Perhaps folks who have the time to help others could form a local organization to help others with the removal of trash and debris. Something similar to the adopt a Highway program. Rather than griping about it, do something to help.
Sometimes folks just become overwhelmed and don't know where to begin. "
Spiffy wrote on Dec 22, 2008 8:34 AM:
" Impose higher property taxes on property owners who have unkept property. In a related issue.. I think the county should have a free dump day every three months. That would help all of us.......... "
Louise wrote on Dec 22, 2008 5:48 AM:
" You really don't NEED to have money to repair or beautify the property. All you need to do is get out there, pick up the trash, get rid of it, keep the area CLEAR and CLEAN. Even the ugliest properties around can appear NEAT if they are clear from trash & debris! Most of the problem is purely lazy. "
Susan wrote on Dec 21, 2008 5:11 PM:
" Low income is no excuse for not picking up trash, calling a junk yard to pick up a dead car, or mowing the yard. Illness and disablement is a different story. I'm afraid it is just a case of not caring. Look how many people litter, for example. I don't have any answers. "
chuckg wrote on Dec 21, 2008 2:04 PM:
" We read of higher than average health issues here in Klamath County. Lower income and higher rates of public assistance. If people just don't care about taking care of themselves and excelling, how will they take care of property. Mandating change or throwing money in their direction won't solve the root of the problem. We can't legislate community pride, let alone a desire for self improvement. "
Eric D wrote on Dec 21, 2008 11:07 AM:
" The County Planning Department is supposed to enforce Land-Used Laws and track nuisance properties. But the laws also need to be tougher: First citation- you have 30 days to clean your property; Second citation- the property will be condemned in 30 days and siezed by the County. Those eyesores around town would probably get cleaned up pretty fast. "
Lew wrote on Dec 20, 2008 7:47 PM:
" Our city and county leaders must take the lead role in addressing this problem. First, they need to publicly acknowledge that the problem exists, and make citizens aware that they don't have a right to trash up our community. Many people think that trash and old dead cars in their front yard is perfectly OK. Second, our city and county leaders need to work together to form a committee (like the group that has done a great job revitalizing downtown) to come up with viable ideas and solutions. Last, we need to enforce existing codes and laws that could help address some of the problems. We will never make every property beautiful, but our problem could be greatly improved with the right leadership and commitment. A final thought...just because someone is poor doesn't mean they have to trash up their property. Being poor is no excuse for being a slob! "
Missy wrote on Dec 20, 2008 2:53 PM:
" barapi wrote on Dec 20, 2008 11:55 AM:
" . . but nothing will work if those occupying the properties don't have the money to repair or beautify them."
Thank you, that is my situation exactly. Also your comment on low-level income is right on. I moved to a higher paying job, only to be laid off, as was my husband a week later. Unemployment kicks in, but not until after the holidays.
So our Christmas is compliments of the Salvation Army . . . . I thank them from the bottom of my heart. "
" . . but nothing will work if those occupying the properties don't have the money to repair or beautify them."
Thank you, that is my situation exactly. Also your comment on low-level income is right on. I moved to a higher paying job, only to be laid off, as was my husband a week later. Unemployment kicks in, but not until after the holidays.
So our Christmas is compliments of the Salvation Army . . . . I thank them from the bottom of my heart. "
barapi wrote on Dec 20, 2008 11:55 AM:
" Encouraging and assisting home ownership is a classic method of improving properties, but nothing will work if those occupying the properties don't have the money to repair or beautify them.
The poverty rate in KF is high, as is the proportion of renter-occupied housing. It's simplistic and arrogant to blame people by assuming that their low income level is their own fault. "
The poverty rate in KF is high, as is the proportion of renter-occupied housing. It's simplistic and arrogant to blame people by assuming that their low income level is their own fault. "
dt wrote on Dec 20, 2008 8:29 AM:
" As much as many people think it helps, having laws that require kept up homes, yards etc does not always work. It is very hard to get everything done when you are very busy and seldom home - especially on weekends. That seems to be the biggest problem for our family. We'd like to have a fabulous yard, but it is unlikely to happen any time soon.
Many people do not have the "extra" money that comes with keeping a home and yard looking fabulous. Paint for the house, garden tools, water in the summertime - they all take money. Having a law that requires those things will not ease the no money issue for some families. "
Many people do not have the "extra" money that comes with keeping a home and yard looking fabulous. Paint for the house, garden tools, water in the summertime - they all take money. Having a law that requires those things will not ease the no money issue for some families. "
craig wrote on Dec 20, 2008 7:26 AM:
" "Educate" and "inform" all you want but there are people who do not care, period! They are too busy trying to stay high. Do like the snow shoveling of sidewalks. Make and issue of it and force people to clean up their junkyards. Add it to their taxes if the city has to send in a mowing or cleanup crew. For the truely elderly and incable, have a method to do it for them. "
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Common Sense wrote on Jan 3, 2009 11:29 AM:
Don't park your camper in your front yard.
Don't keep chickens in your yard.
Clean up trash in your yard.
Don't leave tools laying in your yard. "