City tackles enforcement of abandoned vehicles

CHILLICOTHE — City officials on Monday passed legislation intended to strengthen the police department's authority on the enforcement of junk and abandoned vehicles left on public and private property.

City Councilman Dave Tatman said the law is meant to help improve the quality of life across the city. The changes to the existing law now gives police Chief Keith Washburn or any officer under his authority the power to order into storage any motor vehicle, vessel, trailer or recreational vehicle, including an abandoned junk motor vehicle, that has been left on private property for more than 72 consecutive hours.

In addition, the law also gives the police department authority to order such items into storage that have been left on a public street for 48 consecutive hours or longer if the department didn't receive notification. The ordinance also stipulates that no junk vehicles can be left for 72 consecutive hours or more outside of a garage.

Tatman, who represents the city's 4th Ward, said problems with junk and abandoned vehicles occurs more in the east end of town, but noted it is also an issue elsewhere in the city.

In other business Monday, council members passed approved an easement for the Chillicothe Civic Theatre, which eventually plans to occupy 83 S. Walnut St., for performances. The easement will allow the theater to give additional space to patrons entering the facility, according to Tatman.