WILMINGTON — “The state of the city is very good,” said Mayor John Stanforth in a brief speech during Wilmington City Council’s first 2018 meeting on Thursday.

While Stanforth’s speech was short, his message published in the 27-page State of the City — which was presented to council — went into greater detail.

Moments he highlighted included the street repaving projects in Wilmington’s northwest quadrant, the landfill’s expansion, and the new salt shed on Nelson Avenue. He indicated the most “challenging but rewarding” projects of 2017 were the code enforcements.

“We have worked very closely with the Clinton County landbank,” he said. “They have funded and completed the tear-down of six blighted properties and have more scheduled.”

According to Michelle Horner, Administrative Assistant of the Building and Zoning Department, 446 complaints involving 288 properties were reported. A total of 521 violations were issued to those property owners; 50 of those were for “unsafe structures and equipment.”

Stanforth said code enforcement will continue to be emphasized throughout his tenure, and seeing the boost in 2017 added momentum to his vision.

“Code violators are cleaning up the violations or being pursued by our law director’s office. The teamwork on all parts city and county, has been incredible and I look forward to even more success,” he said.

Also Thursday night:

• During the Judiciary Committee report, council held the first reading of an ordinance requesting owners of dogs deemed as a nuisance, dangerous and vicious, and the property owners where the dog is designated, be required to comply with court orders. Purkey said Dog Warden Rex Doan informed him the dog owners could move and there wouldn’t be a way to follow-up.

• During the Water Committee report, council held the first reading of a resolution authorizing Safety/Service Director Brian Shidaker to enter a Master Service Agreement with Utility Service Co., Inc. in regards to the care and maintenance of Wilmington’s water towers.

• Council approved Councilmember Kelsey Swindler as Council President Pro Tem and approved the 2018 committees.

The first Wilmington City Council meeting of 2018 was held Thur sday night. From left are: Councilmembers Jonathan McKay, Michael Allbright, Kristi Fickert, Matt Purkey, Bill Liermann, Kelsey Swindler and Tyler Williams; City Auditor David Hollingsworth; Mayor John Stanforth; and Council President Mark McKay.

http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2018/01/web1_Council-Jan4.jpgThe first Wilmington City Council meeting of 2018 was held Thur sday night. From left are: Councilmembers Jonathan McKay, Michael Allbright, Kristi Fickert, Matt Purkey, Bill Liermann, Kelsey Swindler and Tyler Williams; City Auditor David Hollingsworth; Mayor John Stanforth; and Council President Mark McKay. John Hamilton | News Journal