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The Winchester Board of Commissioners during its work session Monday discussed plans to strengthen code enforcement regarding public nuisances pertaining to swimming pools, detached trailers, excess vines and temporary storage containers such as PODS.

“We’re just trying to get these things cleaned up … that are unsightly … not to be punitive,” City Manager Matt Belcher said.

The commission removed part of the proposal about requiring pressure washing to remove mold, algae and other organic material, and made other changes, with the intention of bringing the revised ordinance back for a first reading at a future meeting sometime in the next couple of weeks.

The board did, however, during its regular meeting after the workshop, give final approval to three other ordinances that will bring other code enforcement matters under the purview of an existing administrative hearing board for adjudication to avoid having to take them to court. The sections of the code involve transient room taxes, business license fees and property liens.

What the city is trying to do is “get more teeth into the ordinances” and better address non-compliance, Belcher said.

Also during the meeting Monday:

– The commission accepted the resignation of Belcher as city manager and approved the appointment of retired Winchester Municipal Utilities General Manager Mike Flynn as interim city manager. Belcher is going to be a partner and manager of a private business.

– An order was approved accepting the resignation of Dylan Grubbs, patient transfer specialist.

– The retirement of Winchester Police Capt. Tom Beall was accepted.

– Cassandra Riddle was appointed to a four-year-term on the Winchester-Clark County Board of Adjustments.