In what appears to be a light agenda, the Maryland Heights City Council will meet for the first time in 2013 Thursday night.

Council members have just two items on the agenda—a proposed ordinance enacting a new section to the municipal code regarding criminal nuisances and another ordinance amending the municipal code regarding occupancy permits.

The criminal nuisance ordinace came about after the city wished to adopt a law that would regulate such offenses as selling of drugs and drug paraphernalia; illegal gambling; prostitution; or the illegal sale or distribution of alcohol. 

If the council votes in favor of the ordinance, the city would then have a reliable means of enforcing such activity. The ordinance would go into effect immediately. 

The ther ordinance, meanwhile, would raise fees for those wishing to obtain occupancy permits. 

Under the proposed law, single family dwelling permits would cost $75 as opposed to the current $40 the city charges; multifamily dwelling permits would cost $60 as opposed to $50; and commercial structures would cost $100 as opposed to $60.

This ordinance, if passed, would not go into effect until July 1, 2013.

The meeting is free an open to the public and will be held at the Maryland Heights Government Center.