Cadiz Council clashes over nuisance property near member’s home

A discussion over a nuisance property near Council member Erik Miller’s home triggered a lengthy exchange and frustration among members during a recent meeting.

Police Chief Ryan McCann said there is no estate connected to the property, making it difficult to locate responsible parties.

“Nobody’s a head of the state, there’s no estate on that property,” McCann said.

He explained that when the mother died, family disputes complicated matters. When Miller asked about letters that were supposed to be sent, McCann said he could not recall any.

“Well, they were supposed to be sent, weren’t they?” Miller said.

Discussion followed over whether former Solicitor Costa D. Mastros had drawn up the letters or sent them. McCann said the family is spread out, making communication difficult.

“Alright so, this has been a big issue and I’m just going to get it off the table now,” Council member John Vermillion said. “Something’s got to get done. I don’t care what it is and when I say something, it’s got to happen now. I’m over the excuses on this property.”

Vermillion said if outside help was needed, council should act immediately.

“That’s my question,” he said. “If nobody has an answer, I’ll go find one.”

Mayor R. Kevin Jones said the village had been expected to hire former county prosecutor Jeff Bruzzese but “that got shot down somehow.”

“At some point it’s a nuisance, why can we not go down and rip it out?” Vermillion asked. “Why can we not go down there and clean it up with a backhoe?”

He briefly exchanged words with McCann, who said, “Get me the civil stuff and everything else.”

Vermillion stressed the issue was not personal toward Miller but said action was overdue.

“I’m done listening to this property, I’m over it,” he said. “Because if nobody knows anything about it I’ll go down tomorrow with a backhoe and rip it out of there.”

The comment drew some chuckles from council members.

Council member Sal Deluca said such a move would be “significant.”

“We don’t have any of the legislation or ordinances to do that,” Deluca said. “I’m with you. I’m just telling you we don’t have a process in our ordinances to take it over quickly. We would have to go through civil court to do that.”

Vermillion then moved for the village to hire someone if current Solicitor Chuck Kidder does not act. The motion passed unanimously.