The Madison Common Council approved a chronic nuisance ordinance at Tuesday's meeting, effectively making property owners more responsible for troublesome behavior that occurs on their property.
According to the Chronic Nuisance Premises ordinance, the focus of the measure is on holding landlords accountable for chronic public nuisances on residential properties not occupied by the landlord.
Prior to the approval, the ordinance was temporary and set to expire in November under a sunset provision.
Many alders, even if skeptical at first, showed widespread support for the policy.
Ald. Brian Solomon, District 10, said chronic nuisance regulation is a good policy and that he could not imagine why anyone would have problems with it.
Ald. Julia Kerr, District 13, said she was skeptical at first about the ordinance but has since become a convert.
""It's been a lifesaver for me and my constituents,"" she said.
Ald. Tim Bruer, District 14, said the ordinance has been an overall success so far and he wants to ensure that the council protects issues like this one.
""We built an ordinance in a framework that has worked, that has checks and balances,"" he said. ""There is not one ordinance that has come out of this Common Council that has garnered more support citywide.""
""There are many [residents] who want to see this sunset lifted ... This is the cornerstone of much of their neighborhood's preservation,"" he added. ""It has become much more of an education tool than a heavy hand.""
Bruer said he also credited the ordinance with helping to preserve the long-term quality of life throughout many Madison neighborhoods.
Alds. Michael Schumacher, District 18, and Bridget Maniaci, District 2, were also in favor of repealing the sunset provision and making the law permanent.
Madison Police Department Chief Noble Wray also said MPD felt the ordinance has been working well.
