By Terry Schrimscher, For the Tribune
CLAY – The city of Clay is once again seeking help dealing with homeless camps in wooded areas behind residential communities. The Clay City Council discussed proper procedures for removing the encampments during the first regular meeting of the council Tuesday night, August 8.
“It’s going to be a continuing problem as long as the judges are letting them out of jail,” said City Manager Ronnie Dixon. “There’s about eight total.
“Our zoning ordinance covers it. You’re not allowed to have a tent in any sort of zoning that we have. Whether it’s residential or commercial, you’re not allowed to stay in a tent.”
Dixon said the city is working with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to improve the situation. He said the first step is to cite the offenders for trespassing. After that, a second offense would result in arrest and a third offense could result in a year jail sentence.
Councilmember Bo Johnson commented on the trash being left on the property, including needles, leading Dixon to suggest the city could clear the property after police remove the campers.
“I believe we have reached the point now where it is a public health issue,” Dixon said. “I believe, legally, it would be okay for you to use city funds to clean up personal, or commercial or institutional property that has been turned into a public health nuisance.”
City Attorney Alan Summers first shared information about encampments in March when an encampment was found in the woods behind the Lovelady Thrift Store. The current camp is in the same area and has expanded to property behind private residences as far away as Matt Aaron Lane and Refuge church at 2400 Sweeney Hollow Road.
Although the thrift store has secured donation bins, Dixon said people camping in the woods continue to dig through garbage dumpsters outside the store looking for items.
In other business, Dixon read a list nine of properties in a public nuisance resolution. The resolution gives notice to property owners to mow lawns or remove weeds before the city orders abatement. The resolution passed unanimously.
The Council also approved a resolution declaring property at 6530 Clay Palmerdale Road a public nuisance. The resolution will require the property owner to remove junk from property.
The next meeting of the Clay City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m., on Aug. 22, at City Hall.