CHESTER — The city’s lack of enforceability for its junk ordinance long has been an issue for officials.

However, now that Mayor Ed Wedgewood has 70 percent of structures on the initial dilapidated property list down, council passed the first reading of its junk ordinance rewrite Monday night.

The ordinances bans the accumulation of trash, overgrown vegetation or the collection of items like tires that will create breeding areas for “vectors,” which are mosquitoes, rats or any other disease carrying animals.

After the property owner or occupant is notified of the infraction, he/she has 10 days to remedy it or the city will, at the offender’s cost plus a 10 percent additional fine.

Within that 10 days, the offender also can request a public hearing to be held within the next 30 days. Based on the hearing result, city officials can either modify the time of required compliance or proceed.

The offender faces a fine of $100 on the first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 on subsequent offenses. To collect fines and compliance costs, the city may place liens against the property in question.

No action was taken after an executive session for personnel near the conclusion of council meeting.

Next month, council meets at 5 p.m., June 2, in city council chambers.

In other action Monday, council:

• Deposited receipts totaling $255,038 into the General Fund and $4,185 into the Building Fund, paying $147,914.77 and $635.47 in bills respectively from each fund.

• Approved the second reading of the mobile home ordinance 2025-04.

• Agreed to send the 2025 paving of Thisbey, Vesta and Dunn streets out to bid as well as some pothole patching.

• Replaced the emblem work on 10 city stone trash cans in downtown Chester at the cost of $450 through Campbell’s in East Liverpool.

• Tabled an inquiry regarding two faded “Welcome to Chester” signs coming into Chester as members needed clarification regarding the cost to replace versus the cost to repaint.

• Approved the annual agreement with Mountaineer Computer Systems for computer support at a cost of $1,475.

• Approved renewal of dental and vision insurance for employees through Principal. Cost for vision remained the same while there was a slight increase for dental.

• Approved annual West Virginia Municipal League dues at a cost of $794.88.

• Authorized the pursuit of bids against three city properties on the 2025 dilapidated property list: 509 First St., 311 Adolphus St. and 442 Indiana St.