By Rana Jones

Gazette Reporter

During the Kemmerer City Council meeting held on Monday, April 28, city officials tabled changes to Chapter 14 ordinances regarding nuisances, citing the need to refine language — particularly as it pertains to abandoned vehicles. 

Councilmember Brantley Popp explained the reasoning behind the decision to delay changes.

“We wanted to get some more terminology hammered out,” he said, noting that much of the conversation focused on defining and addressing issues with abandoned vehicles in residential areas.

“This has been an ongoing issue for decades,” he added, pointing out that many residents have been collecting broken-down vehicles in their front yards.

One of the challenges facing the council is defining what exactly constitutes a front yard. Although it may seem like a simple designation, Popp said there are complications when dealing with corner lots or homes that face alleys.

While the council works through the complexities of the ordinance language, Popp urged residents to take pride in their homes and surroundings. “Clean and orderly,” he said, should be the standard for both private property and the community at large.

Popp further emphasized that neighboring properties in disrepair are having a tangible impact on the local real estate market. He said people are finding it difficult to sell their homes due to adjacent properties being cluttered with junk and vehicles.

“This is not a matter of the city trying to tell individuals what they can and cannot do with their own property,” Popp said.

He said as Kemmerer grows and property values increase, it becomes essential for residents to consider how their actions affect their neighbors.

Popp acknowledged that some individuals enjoy collecting or working on projects, and stated that’s acceptable — so long as it doesn’t infringe on others’ right to enjoy their neighborhood.

“Under this new administration, curb appeal is a big thing,” he reiterated.

With warmer weather approaching, Popp said council members will be working on improving their own properties, as well. He encouraged residents working on personal projects to do so respectfully.

“This will be something that the city will be cracking down on,” he said.

In other business, Stephen Allen, liaison for the South Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation and chief of staff for the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, addressed the council. Allen proposed a request for a building permit discount rate and asked that the city consider waiving building permit fees.

The council also announced that future meetings will now begin at 6 p.m. Budget discussions for the upcoming fiscal year will take place soon, during which the council will review and allocate spending.

Popp expressed his continued support for street repair funding and transparency. He said he will advocate for infrastructure improvements.

“Citizens have the right to know where their tax dollars are going,” he said, adding that street maintenance remains a top priority.

Popp encouraged public involvement, inviting residents to attend meetings and share their views. The next Kemmerer City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 12.