Storm Lake resident Rick Wimer used the hear the public portion of Monday night’s city council meeting to press for tougher property standards, raising concerns about neglected homes and rentals.
Wimer, one of four applicants who sought to fill the council vacancy created when Meg McKeon became mayor, told council members the city’s appearance is slipping and enforcement isn’t keeping pace.
He said his career in property management shaped his concern for the city’s appearance.
Wimer praised Storm Lake’s community spirit but said derelict properties are eroding that pride, noting the city is not as beautiful as it was in his youth.
Wimer described a “jacked up” pickup with missing tires, a broken garage door with junk spilling out, debris spread outside, and extra bicycles and vehicles—some of which he said looked like maintenance equipment—in the driveway and front yard.
He reported the address to Storm Lake City Manager Keri Navratil, who he said sent it to the city clerk’s office, with a report being filled out to inspect the property—but he noted the conditions remain the same.
Wimer said that example is only one of several homes throughout Storm Lake that need attention.
He urged the council to strengthen city codes, warning of safety risks and challenging members to see the conditions firsthand.
Wimer closed by noting similar concerns with mobile homes and rentals, offering to assist the city in addressing them.
The council thanked Wimer for his remarks, but took no action on the matter.
