Mountain View City Council Tackles Yard Sale Laws, Tax Levy

 The Mountain View City Council met August 10 in regular session. Among the topics of discussion was a set of regulations for yard sales or garage sales being held in Mountain View. Under the ordinance, residents are only allowed to have three yard or garage sales per year. One of the main points of the ordinance was to control unsightly signage for sales, which is often left behind after the sales are over. The ordinance prohibits signs on street signs, utility poles or other public sign. Signs for sales can only be posted two days prior to a sale, and must be removed by noon, following the last day of the sale. Signs will be required to list the address and times of the sale, and cannot be posted on a cardboard box. The first violation of the ordinance would result in a fine of $15, a second offense would increase the fine to $25, and a third offense would bring the fine to $50. After the third offense, the party holding the sale would be denied future permits for sales. Free permits must be obtained from City Hall before the first day of the sale, and must be displayed where they are visible from the street. The details of the ordinance for yard sales will be printed on the permit, in order to make all the rules clear. A person holding a sale without a permit would also be fined on the same schedule of violations. Since some of the legal language was found to be unclear, or in need of revision, the council decided to table the measure for further legal review.

     The council also discussed financial assistance from USDA Rural Development. The city would need to abide by regulations set by USDA Rural Development to receive grant money that would supplement money from the sewer bond that was passed by voters.

     The council considered an ordinance to set the 2020 city property tax levy to $0. The council passed the measure, with the intent to put an increase before voters in April.

     Mayor Donnie Pruett told those in attendance that new lighting will be installed near the airport. Mayor Pruett stated that the increased lighting is intended to deter criminal activity in the area. 

     The council will meet again August 24. At that meeting, the council will discuss changes to the city’s employee handbook, among other items.