After tabling its decision in March, Jersey Village City Council, in a 3-2 vote, adopted an amended version of the International Property Maintenance Code on April 20 despite some disagreement from the community and members on the dais.
The approved ordinance includes amendments that localize the IPMC to align with existing Jersey Village policies and does not add new standards related to property aesthetics or excessive fines, city staff said during the meeting.
Council members Connie Rossi and Simon Hughes voted in opposition.
What you need to know
The IPMC adoption allows the city to consolidate its existing policies to align with nationally recognized standards related to overgrown vegetation, structural integrity, pest issues and sanitation.
Community Development Manager Miesha Johnson told City Council the adoption will make it easier for city staff to enforce maintenance standards going forward—a goal addressed in several of the city’s long-term strategic plans. She also said many community members have contacted city staff with concerns about neighboring homes, but don’t feel comfortable filing a complaint against their neighbors.
“Over the past month, we’ve heard from many residents who are opposed to adopting these minimum standards, and those voices are very important,” Johnson said. “But what isn’t always visible are the conversations that happen quietly, weekly, with neighbors we speak to who are dealing with very real issues.”
Before voting to adopt a localized version of the 2024 IPMC, the City Council first voted to further amend the ordinance by removing Section 105 of the code, which establishes duties and powers of the code official.
Council member Drew Wasson proposed the amendment to address resident concerns about inspections and enforcement. The IPMC does not allow code officials to enter homes without legal authority, officials clarified.
City Attorney Tommy Ramsey said striking Section 105 reduces flexibility for the code official, but the city’s overall enforcement capabilities do not change with the amendment. City Council also has the authority to add the section back in at a later date with a majority vote.
After council members unanimously agreed with Wasson’s motion to remove Section 105, the council voted 3-2 to adopt the IPMC ordinance.
Those opposed
Rossi said she’s not against the concept of the ordinance but does not feel comfortable moving forward with adoption until residents understand all of the changes.
“Right now, there is a gap in trust,” Rossi said. “I have mentioned that before—the perception matters. If people believe this expands government authority in ways they don’t understand, or aren’t comfortable with, we need to take that seriously.”
Similarly, Hughes said the IPMC document and local municipal codes are incredibly detailed and may not be accessible for property owners to read individually, and he recommended presenting a more concise list of changes to the community in the future.
“It’s daunting,” he said. “I believe that we can do better. I welcome the opportunity to revisit this in the future.”
Also on the agenda
According to the results of an annual financial audit for fiscal year 2024-25, third-party consultant Crowe reported Jersey Village is in a strong financial position with steady revenue growth and stable operations.
A March 27 report of the city’s activity found that Jersey Village ended the fiscal year Sept. 30 with a net position of approximately $127 million, about $588,000 less than its starting position. The city’s assets total $178 million, while liabilities sit at approximately $52 million, according to the April 20 presentation to City Council.
Jersey Village also ended FY 2024-25 with a total governmental fund balance of about $45.35 million—approximately $3.3 million more than the start of the year. Governmental expenditures include public safety, public works, parks and recreation and general government activities.
The city also spent a combined $13.3 million on capital outlay and debt service payments, a majority of which—approximately $12 million—went toward capital projects, per the presentation.
A quick note
Wasson and council member Jennifer McCrea cast their final votes on the City Council, and two new faces will join the dais following the May 2 local election.
The next regular Jersey Village City Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 18 in the Civic Center auditorium.