Bremen Town Attorney Anthony Wagner presented the Bremen Town Council members Monday afternoon with a proposed revision to the junk vehicle ordinance.
A vehicle is a “junk vehicle” when it is determined to be wrecked, dismantled, discarded, or unattended on jack stands, or blocks, or other means. It can also be identified when one or more flat tires exist on the vehicle for more than 14 days, if it is inoperable for more than 20 days on private property, and is primarily used for storage and remains unmoved for 14 days or more. If the vehicle is a habitat for rats, mice, snakes, or other vermin, it may also meet the criteria of being a junk vehicle.
One criteria point that Wagner said will have to be made with careful judgment is when cars are parked on grass, dirt or other unpaved areas not ordinarily used for parking a vehicle.
Bremen Director of Operations Trend Weldy said it’s illegal to park on the grass anyway.
“Brad [Kile, Police Chief] and I have had several conversations with several people about driving over the sidewalk to park their car in their yard because they didn’t want to walk 15 feet from the street to their house,” said Weldy. “So, this gives us something to fall back on here as well.”
Abandoned vehicles are defined differently as outlined in the ordinance.
Park Department Superintendent Brian Main asked about parking at the park as there are residents who park any place in any space. Wagner suggested erecting signage to make sure that people park in designated areas in the park.
Violators will be issued a citation and if the situation isn’t resolved within a certain time, the vehicle will be removed from the property at the owner’s expense.
After a little more discussion, the Bremen Town Council members approved the first reading of the ordinance. Additional readings will be considered during their next meeting on Monday, Aug. 26.
