BUENA PARK : Motel Inspections Helped, Council Told

A task force launched in April to improve some of the city’s older areas has been successful, a Police Department official told the City Council.

Police Capt. Gary Hicken said Monday that law enforcement, public works, health and fire officials who inspected apartment buildings and motels found a number of code violations.

The investigators, who had permission from landowners and tenants to enter the buildings, issued warnings to violators, who were given seven to 28 days to resolve the problems. Those who failed to do so, Hicken said, were referred to the Buena Park prosecutor’s office.

“The compliance we are asking for is bare minimum stuff--that the toilets work and the sinks work,” Hicken said.

Council members questioned whether more should be done to improve the area so that it projects a more positive image on the city’s tourist attractions such as Knott’s Berry Farm.

“These motels represent Buena Park, and when people stay there, this is the picture they go home with,” Councilman Gerald N. Sigler said. “We need a stronger hammer.”

Hicken said the task force is considering a number of recommendations, including an ordinance that would place tighter restrictions on motels that rent rooms by the month.