A. Enforcement. It shall be the duty of the chief of police, the chief of the volunteer fire department, the building inspector and health officer to enforce those provisions of this chapter that come within the jurisdiction of their offices and they shall make periodic inspections and inspections upon complaint to insure that such provisions are not violated. No action shall be taken under this section to abate a public nuisance unless the officer shall have inspected or caused to be inspected the premises where the nuisance is alleged to exist and have satisfied himself that a nuisance does in fact exist.

B. Summary Abatement.

1. Notice to Owner. If the inspecting officer determines that a public nuisance exists within the city and that there is great and immediate danger to the public health, safety, peace, morals or decency, the mayor may direct the chief of police to serve notice on the person causing, permitting or maintaining such nuisance or upon the owner or occupant of the premises where such nuisance is caused, permitted or maintained and to post a copy of the notice on the premises. Such notice shall direct the person causing, permitting or maintaining such nuisance or upon the owner or occupant of the premises to abate or remove such nuisance within twenty-four (24) hours and shall state that unless such nuisance is so abated, the city will cause the same to be abated and will charge the cost thereof to the owner, occupant or person causing, permitting or maintaining the nuisance, as the case may be.

2. Abatement by City. If the nuisance is not abated within the time provided or if the owner, occupant or person causing the nuisance cannot be found, the officer having the duty of enforcement shall cause the abatement or removal of such public nuisance.

C. Abatement by Court Action. If the inspecting officer determines that a public nuisance exists on private premises but that the nature of such nuisance is not such as to threaten great and immediate danger to the public health, safety, peace, morals or decency, he shall file a written report of his findings with the mayor, who, upon direction of the common council, shall cause an action to abate such nuisance to be commenced in the name of the city in the circuit court in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 823, Wisconsin Statutes.

D. Other Methods Not Excluded. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting the abatement of public nuisances by the city or its officials in accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin. (Prior code § 9-1-4)