(A) Criminal prosecution has been the traditional method for adjudication and enforcement of the Lincoln Heights Code of Ordinances.
(B) Criminal prosecution is often ineffective in deterring Lincoln Heights Code of Ordinances violations or securing timely correction of the violations; and criminal prosecution for Lincoln Heights Code of Ordinances violations is time-consuming, resource draining and frequently fails to address community concerns.
(C) A system of administratively assessed civil fines offers a more effective way to obtain compliance, can be more responsive to citizen complaints and reduce the Lincoln Heights Mayor’s Court caseload, while not imposing additional costs on the taxpayers.
(D) An administrative enforcement system for hearing cases and assessing civil fines will provide a more effective and efficient method for the village to respond to Lincoln Heights Code violations and is established.
(E) Neither the Village of Lincoln Heights, the federal government, the State of Ohio, nor any village, federal or state agency or political subdivision is liable for a civil fine imposed.
(Ord. 97-O-17, passed 4-17-1997)