Hull contemplates agreement with county

Youngblood addressed the Hull City Council March 21, proposing an intergovernmental agreement which would allow the county to take action against those in violation of any building codes.

“A couple months back I received several phone calls regarding certain parts of the city with issues of building materials, stray animals and junk cars, so we made a sweep through a certain part of town and wrote citations,” said Youngblood, who represents District 3 on the board of commissioners, which includes the Hull area. “While touring around we also noticed that there were numerous building codes being violated, but we have no control over that since there is currently no agreement in place between the city and the county regarding this.”

Councilman Wayne Melton asked for some clarification.

“Can you be a little more specific about the area and problems you’re talking about?” asked Melton.

Youngblood informed the council of the location where he had discovered the violations and what he believed should be done.

“It’s a mobile home park, and there are multiple additions to these homes that are in clear violation of building codes,” he said. “It’s dangerous, and I’m honestly surprised the fire truck hasn’t had to spend the night over there. And since it’s located within the city we can’t do anything about it, which is why I would like the city to enter into this intergovernmental agreement to allow the county to take over.”

Melton said the land “doesn’t belong to the city” and is part of the county.

“A few years ago the county spent thousands of dollars to provide us with a plat, and, going by what the plat says that they provided us, it clearly shows that the property is outside of the city limits,” said Melton.

Youngblood insisted that the issue still needed to be addressed.

“Regardless of where the property falls, these new additions have been built without receiving proper permits to do so,” said Youngblood. “At least I would hope no one issued permits for those additions, because if they did they should be fired.”

Councilwoman Becky Elkins questioned what would be done by the county in the instance a contract was created.

“What exactly are you going to do if we do enter into the agreement?” she asked.

Youngblood said the county would write citations.

“There are places around here that need to be cleaned up, and I’m out to get them cleaned up whether they’re in the county or the city,” he said. “I’m suggesting this to help you guys out, and it’s not just something to better us at the county. If you do want it that’s fine, but if you don’t then I’ll start directing all these calls to you so the city can handle them in the future.”

Melton said the county and city need to determine if the property is within Hull’s city limits.

“Well if it turns out that the property is in fact in the city, then I think that’s exactly what should be done,” he said. “I agree that we need to take care of this for the safety of our people, but it’s obvious that we need to first figure out who exactly this property belongs to.”

Mayor Paul Elkins said public safety is the paramount concern.

“Our main priority is to keep Hull a safe place for all of us to live,” he said. “I think we, as a council, need to discuss this prior to making any kind of agreement whatsoever. We will gladly cooperate with the county on fixing this issue, but will need to be sure of what we’re doing and who we’re doing it to.”

In other matters, the council has yet to appoint a new member into the position previously held by Brandon Fortson. Also, the dedication of the new radio station will take place next month on April 11.

“We’re proud to have them in our city, and are excited that they will finally be open for business,” said Elkins.