FOLEY — Members of one Foley community have made it clear that current procedures for dealing with weeds has become a thorn in the side of the city.

During Monday’s regular Foley City Council meeting, approximately 25 residents of the Creek subdivision collectively asked the council why the city’s procedure to deal with properties containing overgrown lawns takes so long.

Foley Mayor John Koniar explained that the process is mandated by state law.

“It’s a very slow process,” he agreed.

Further discussion of the issue led to an explanation of the city’s procedure, which includes deeming weeds as a public nuisances, notifying the offending property owner that by allowing their lawn to become overgrown, the property has fallen under the public nuisance category and setting a public hearing for the cost of weed abatement for the property — all of which can take up to two months.

“But it comes down to first, we try to just get them to cut their grass,” Foley Community Development Director Miriam Boutwell told the audience.

One audience member asked why the city couldn’t just cut the grass on the offending property and “just charge a repeat offender,” adding that overgrown property attracts snakes and rodents to neighboring properties, creating a dangerous environment for residents.

“The state law defines this process,” Foley City Councilman Ralph Hellmich said.

The council urged residents to contact state representatives about the issue.