As I drive through Trinity and through our neighborhoods, I have noticed a vast improvement related to its appearance. As you know, several months ago, the City of Trinity contracted a trash collection service that supplied trash cans and dumpsters throughout Trinity to our residents and to the businesses. This alone has made a marked improvement. This has reduced the ability of animals to nose through the trash and reduced the impact of the elements, such as rain and wind from blowing the trash from here to there.
Three weeks ago, the City of Trinity hired Cliff Prestwood, who is serving a dual role as a police officer for the Trinity Police Department and as a city ordinance officer. Some of you are asking what a city ordinance is? What are common ordinance violations? And how is this going to affect me?
First of all, city ordinances are local laws enacted by municipalities to protect public health, public safety issues, and community aesthetics. The code enforcement officer is charged with ensuring the properties within the city comply with these standards.
Common ordinance violations are property nuisances (such as accumulated trash, debris, or stagnant water), vegetation overgrowth (such as grass and weeds typically over 12 inches tall). Vehicles (such as junked, abandoned, or oversize commercial vehicles parked on residential property. Signs (illegal billboards or unpermitted advertising signs), and zoning, which deals with operating restricted businesses in residential zones).
The enforcement process is typically inspection of the issue, then provide a notice of the violation to the property owner, and lastly, penalties. If left unaddressed, property owners may face fines, liens, or citations to appear in Municipal Court.
Since Officer Prestwood’s arrival, I have noticed property and business owners cleaning up their properties after they were contacted and the property owner was made aware of the issue(s). Voluntary compliance with the noted code infractions makes this transition easier for all involved.
The Trinity City Council, the Mayor, and City Manager are committed to improving the aesthetics, safety, and the overall health of Trinity. They are working with the Trinity beautification committee, the Economic Development board, and other entities to improve our city.
If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out to city hall (936-594-2507). We want to hear from you. Together we are making a difference. Ask for Officer Prestwood directly.
Call us if you need us.
Steven Jeter is Chief of Police in Trinity.
