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Council revises long-time city code, increases towing fees

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  • J.R. Ortega •
  • Originally published November 15, 2011 at 9:03 p.m., updated November 15, 2011 at 10:55 p.m.

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The Victoria City Council voted to enforce a long-time code on people living in recreational vehicles for more than 48 hours outside of approved RV parks on Tuesday night.

The council passed a revised ordinance that gives the director of development services authority to remove an RV when declared a public nuisance.

A fine of up to $500 could be levied, and the RV can be towed to a storage facility, explained John Kaminski, director of development services.

"The code already exists," Kaminski said. "The issue that we have is currently the written code lacks an effective enforcement mechanism."

The code has been on the books since 1999, he said.

The instances of RVs being a nuisance is rare, he said, but a tool needs to be in place for repeat violators.

"It's a rare situation, but it's one we deal with regularly," he said. "We really need a tool to deal with the situation in those rare cases."

Also approved was increasing the rates of tow trucking companies from $100 to $150, its maximum rate.

The council will have two more readings to approve the ordinance.

Tina Schmidt, of Big State Wrecker, said the increase is needed.

Last year, her towing company spent about $8,000 on fuel. The increase from $100 to $150 had some councilmembers question the increase.

"This is significant," said Paul Polasek, councilman and mayor pro-tem.

City Attorney Thomas Gwosdz recommended the rate.




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Comments

  • cafevida cafevida Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    Perfect timing NOW that the tow fee has increased "NOW" John Kaminski, director of development services wants to "enforce"this issue. If it has been on the books since 1999 what the hell took so long for such an enforcement? Really? WOW!!!!!! Hmm....... Most things will always be so freakin backwards in Victoria!!!

    Are these "Enforcers" going to be working nights/holidays and have mega overtime pay?

    November 17, 2011 at 10:01 a.m.
  • Citizen Citizen Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    If they spent 8k last year in fuel, then they are not doing much work. I spend that much in 2 months for just 2 trucks.

    November 17, 2011 at 7:30 a.m.
  • will will Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    He's been listening to Romney's plans too much.

    November 16, 2011 at 7:11 p.m.
  • BSspotter BSspotter Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    JD, he contradicts himself, but he doesn't.

    November 16, 2011 at 10:10 a.m.
  • JD JD Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    "It's a rare situation, but it's one we deal with regularly,"

    What is wrong with this sentence? Anyone?

    November 16, 2011 at 9:14 a.m.
  • VISDMom VISDMom Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    My husband and I joke about "Campin' at the Walmart!" Is this what this is aimed at? The RVs DO take up a lot of room sometimes. Granted, they generally stay way out in the parking lot away from the entrance, but during this time of year, it can still cause problems with parking.

    November 16, 2011 at 8:27 a.m.