The War on Weeds
Mayor Richardson threatens property owners with tax liens if they fail to clear noxious weeds before they become fire hazards.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
In a message to the council, Mayor Geo. F. Richardson outlined the course the administration intends to follow in ridding the city of noxious weed growths. The statute makes it unlawful for noxious weeds to be allowed to ripen and seed. It is the duty of the city marshal to cause all such weeds growing in streets and alleys to be cut and destroyed, and to give notice to property owners requiring them to destroy weeds on their land within ten days. In case of neglect, the marshal will cut the weeds and charge the expense to the property. If the owner does not pay within thirty days, the cost will be entered as a tax against the property. Mayor Richardson stated, 'There are miles of noxious weeds within the city in the streets and alleys. I advise that the marshal be authorized to employ sufficient help to comply with the law. Neglected weeds when ripe and dry will be a serious menace for originating and communicating fires.'
“Neglected weeds when ripe and dry will be a serious menace for originating and communicating fires.”
Municipal weed control remains a contentious aspect of property management, though modern Kennewick residents now deal with city code compliance departments rather than the city marshal. The concern for fire safety remains a constant reality in the arid climate of the Tri-Cities.
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