The Kingsburg City Council votes Dec. 3 on new rules for foreclosed and abandoned homes in Kingsburg.

The Kingsburg City Council at its last meeting waived the first reading of an ordinance to the Kingsburg Municipal Code that would require registration of abandoned property opening the door to voting on the new law at its next meeting in December.

The ordinance, drafted by City Attorney Michael Noland, includes six main points aimed at maintaining foreclosed homes to address health and safety concerns by the city.

This ordinance would also help the city identify the owners and lenders of the property in order to contact them with issues about security and maintenance.

After reviewing ordinances from other cities that are experiencing similar problems, Noland drafted a proposed draft to establish an abandoned residential property registration program to protect neighborhoods in city limits from negative impacts of abandoned property.

"We solicited ordinances from a number of cities throughout the state and obtained approximately eight to 10 ordinances we reviewed," Noland said. "One of the ordinances we looked at was an ordinance approved by the Selma City Council. It was a little bit simpler but at the same time addressed the issues that the other ordinances did as it relates to foreclosed properties so we used the Selma ordinance as a form to develop the ordinance for the city of Kingsburg."

Included in the draft is a point stating that within 10 days of purchase or transfer of a loan or deed of trust, the new beneficiary and trustee will inform the Fresno County Recorder's Office of the person on entity of the new beneficiary. A mailing address and contact number must be included.

If a piece of property is found to be vacant or abandoned, the trustee and beneficiary have 10 days after the inspection of the property to register with the Kingsburg Building Official. If the property is found to be occupied at the time of inspection, the trustee and beneficiary are required to inspect it on a monthly basis.

Landscaping must be maintained to the standard of the neighborhood and pools and spas should be kept in working order with treated water or drained and kept dry.

The property must be secured with closed and locked windows, doors and gates and the local property management is expected to perform necessary inspections of this.

"If the property is not maintained or secured, the ordinance authorizes the city to proceed with cleaning up the property and securing the property and the ordinance provides a method similar to obtain reimbursement of the costs and expenses that incur in maintaining the property," Noland said.

There is also a registration fee that will be paid by the party that registers the vacant or abandoned property.

"If the ordinance is acceptable as it is or with any modifications the Council may wish to make to the ordinance after the first reading tonight, then it will be placed on the next Council agenda for adoption at the next Council meeting," Noland said. "Then the ordinance will become effective 30 days thereafter."

Council member Bruce Blayney waived the first reading and moved to introduce the ordinance.

In other action:

l The Centennial Committee members were honored with a certificate of appreciation and recognized by Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Don Jensen.

l The Council heard a recommendation of regulation of mobile car wash businesses. "Staff would recommend that at this point in time, the city institute as part of its public information efforts that are required as part of our NPDS permit to discourage disposal of hazardous waste in storm drain system," said Don Pauley, city manager. "And encourage, in addition to that, biodegradable car wash soap and car cleaning products." The regulation is merely a suggestion at this point and will be addressed again by the Council at a future meeting.

l Community Services Coordinator Ashlee Winslow presented the end of season report for the Crandell Swim Complex. Numbers showed total revenue went up in 2008 compared to 2007 and the city contribution went down by $1,140.44.

l The Council decided a special meeting would be held Dec. 10 for swearing in and reorganization.