Targeting a nusiance: Police send letters, begin citing property owners next week

Libby Police Chief Jim Smith on  Monday told City Council leaders his department will begin issuing citations next week to property owners who fail to comply with the city’s weed nuisance ordinance.

“We’ve sent out notices about Friday or Saturday of last week, and we will begin enforcing the ordinance about the middle of next week,” Smith said.

Legally, fines could be as high as $500, but mostly they’re less.

“It’s up to the judge,” Smith said. “Usually, it’s $50 or $100.”

Smith said there were “about eight letters that went out,” but hinted it’s every property owner’s duty to keep the vegetation in their yards in check.

City Council leaders also heard from Libby Fire Chief Tom Wood, a business owner, and a civic group that sought temporary street closures for their events.

In addition to Wood, Kathy Stern, representing Libby Loggers Days, and Sandy Doubek, representing Pastime Bar, sought closures of sections of Mineral Avenue for their street celebrations and dances respectfully.

Council members unanimously approved the closures.