Corbin Code Board hands out largest fine ever

The Corbin Code Enforcement Board issued the largest fine to a local property owner in its six-year history last week, and officials say legal action could be forthcoming if problems with the Fifth Street home aren’t corrected in the near future.

The three-member board held a public hearing last Wednesday regarding property maintenance violations at 606 Fifth Street. The home is owned by Keith Jervis and his mother Sharon Jervis on a "life estate" arrangement.

Keith Jervis, who was issued a second citation on August 18 for violating property maintenance, sanitation, rubbish and junk vehicle codes, requested a public hearing before the board but never showed.

Code Enforcement Board Chairman Trent Knuckles said the board normally only fines individuals cited a set amount for each citation, but asked the board to depart from that practice because of Jervis’ "unwillingness to comply with the city’s property maintenance laws."

Board members Joe "Butch" White and Kyle Jones agreed, fining Jervis the maximum amount for each violation, $750, for a total of $2,250.

"Mr. Jervis has indicated he does not intend to correct these problems," Knuckles said. "The fact that he did not appear at the public hearing he requested of this board is troubling. This is an unusual case that I think justifies the increased penalties."

The board also authorized the city to commence with cleanup of the property if Jervis refuses to do so.
Corbin Code Enforcement Officer Frank Burke said Jervis has made little headway on property maintenance violations at the home since he was first cited in April. Jervis appeared before the Board for a public hearing in May and was fined $100 and ordered to correct the violations. A charge regarding housing junk cars on the property, at the time, was dismissed by the board.

Burke said he expects Jervis to pay all fines levied against him and correct the problems. He said the city would file a lien for the fines, and all administrative costs, against the property if they are unpaid. The city can then petition the courts to sell the property to satisfy any liens.

Burke added that the city is mulling seeking an injunction against Jervis so that it may go onto his property and force cleanup.

"All of our options are open right now," Burke said. "Most people understand that there is an expectation they keep their property reasonably clean and orderly so as to not be a nuisance to their neighbors, or a blight on the city. This case is a little different. We have ways to deal with it, but there is no quick fix."