Weeds Be Gone or Residents Face Citation

The sun is out, temperatures are rising and spring is in the air. Ah, spring. Unfortunately, that also means the return of noxious weeds, and it's up to property owners to get rid of them or face paying for the service and a citation.

Here's the full notice from the Village of Mount Pleasant:

Any persons owning, occupying or controlling any private lands within the Village of Mt. Pleasant shall destroy noxious weeds growing on such property before they bloom.

Noxious weeds are defined in WI§66.0407(1),(2),(3),(4), and Section 38-36 of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances,  and also include Canada Thistle, Leafy Spurge, Field Bindweed, Creeping Jenny, or unsightly and troublesome plants which are detrimental to cultivated crops, public health or welfare, or such uncultivated rank plants which create unpleasant or noxious odors or  permit the concealment of filthy deposits. Only one written notification per year is required.

Failure of the property owner upon initial notification to destroy or control noxious weeds and grasses over nine (9)  inches in height shall result in the owner being charged an inspection fee, issuance of a citation, and in addition having the Department of Public Works  enter onto said property as needed to destroy said growth.  The cost for any inspections, administrative charges and the cost to cut or destroy said growth shall be charged against the property owner.  If the charge remains unpaid on October 1 the unpaid billings will be placed on the property owner’s tax bill as a special charge.