On the Agenda: Housing Code for Unsafe Buildings

Various committees within North Canton City Council will get a chance to discuss programs and ordinances at tonight's committee-of-the-whole meeting.

No voting will occur at the meeting, but council will examine an ordinance that would add a chapter to the city's housing code. Councilman-at-Large Dan Griffith requested the new legislation for council's consideration. Its language defines unsafe buildings that constitute a "public nuisance." Such buildings might be structurally defective, unsanitary or have inadequate maintenance because of continued vacancy.

The legislation also establishes a process of inspections, abatement notices and more to address public nuisances. The current legislation subjects such properties to "mandatory abatement by repair or demolition," but doesn't provide as detailed a process.

Council will also look at an ordinance that would approve a perpetual public utility waterline easement between the city, any utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and JSG Investment Group. The easement is for the Whipple Avenue-Belden Village Street plaza.

Appointments to the North Canton Community Disaster Relief Fund Committee are also on the table. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber at .