For the sake of saving property values, cleaning up eyesores and potential health and safety hazards, the Warrenton Board of Aldermen agreed to start working toward a plan to clean up messy properties.“One of the aldermen called me over the weekend and said I have one of trashiest wards in town, and I have to concur,” said Alderman Gary Auch, Ward 2, at the Aug. 2 board of aldermen meeting.“We need to fix the problem of people who lease homes, dumping the contents of the home in their front yard,” he said.Board members agreed that the problem exists with some property owners, often those who rent out their properties.Auch said in St. Louis County, such problems don’t happen because local laws are already in place.“We need to come up with the mechanics to deal with (these problems) quickly,” Auch said. “What we’re doing now is simply not acceptable.”Alderwoman Karen Casserly, Ward 1, suggested the city research how cities in the region handle landlord responsibilities.The discussion included setting fines or allowing the city to clean up the mess and bill the property owner for the costs.The matter will be researched and placed on a future meeting agenda.City of Warrenton