SPANISH FORT, Ala.-Citing five years of discussions, opportunities, good faith and promises, the City Council declared the condition of a Wayside Drive property stands in violation of the city’s nuisance ordinance.

The council approved a measure authorizing the city clerk and city attorney to draft a resolution declaring the property owned by William Stanford. The council can either move forward with action against Stanford during the May 16 regular meeting or take into consideration any improvements he makes to the property during the next two weeks.

"This is not new," Mayor Joe Bonner told Stanford during the May 2 public hearing called to address the situation. "For five years, all we’ve asked is to see some direction taken, but we’re going to have to have some help with it…We’ve exhausted our (public relations) skills on this."

At issue is Stanford’s collection of unlicensed, inoperable vehicles as well as several trailers, several large pieces of metal and at least one boat on his property.

As recently as mid-April, Bonner said he personally counted 12 untagged vehicles on the property.

Stanford said his wife died recently and his son has been ill, but he can certainly make some progress on clearing the property within the next two weeks, though he knows there won’t be time to completely clear the lot.

He did tell City Attorney David Conner that he would initiate the cleanup process May 4.

"We can do that and will," Stanford said.

The council is not bound to approve the resolution seeking further action against Stanford during the May 16 meeting if members deem progress on clearing the property reasonable.