BAKER - City leaders in Baker are holding a special council meeting to talk about the area's blighted properties.

Representatives from the Louisiana Municipal Association will attend the meeting to go over rules and regulations regarding blighted houses in the area. Back in November, the council streamlined the process of punishing property owners who fail to keep up the appearances of their yards and houses.

According to city attorney Ken Fabre, the ordinance applies to lots without buildings as well as developed properties. Back yards and land behind buildings are not exempt.

The city's ordinance states property owners with "excessive grass, weeds and vegetation" on their land are subject to be fined between $50 and $100 dollars and imprisoned for up to 30 days. Any grass over 12 inches is considered a nuisance.