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<br />COUNCIL TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION <br /> <br />1) Use of Abatement for ZoninglBuilding/Public Nuisance Violations <br /> <br />Assistant Community Development Director Frolik stated that staff has seen some situations <br />where the use of abatement is not practical. She gave examples of situations where handling <br />them administratively instead of through abatement may be preferable, such as: completing <br />unfinished buildings; moving accessory structures or fencing to meet setback requirements; and <br />various animal violations. She stated that the Council had also requested that there be discussion <br />on some common zoning codes to see if they needed updating. She noted that there was a table <br />included in the packet that showed examples of non-abatable violations and proposed <br />enforcement methods. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that he likes the fact that the City isn't spending a lot of time on <br />these issues. He asked if the City could use both the standard enforcement letters and criminal <br />prosecution. <br /> <br />Ms. Frolik stated that people would first receive a letter and if nothing is done to remedy the <br />violation, the City can assess the administrative fine, if nothing is done, then it can be sent <br />through criminal prosecution. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that he would like to see the administrative fee be high enough so <br />it is a real deterrent for people to not violate the code. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Miller stated that she feels the current fines are not enough to <br />deter people from violation. <br /> <br />Police Chief Way agreed that the current fines are pretty low and asked what would happen if <br />people paid the fine, but still didn't take care of the violation. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that he thinks fines can be given daily. He suggested that the fine <br />be specific for each violation and noted that if it was substantial, such as $100 or $150 each, that <br />may do the trick. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey suggested an escalating fee, such as starting at $100 and then it increases <br />from there. <br /> <br />Assistant Community Development Director Frolik stated that she does not want to see staff <br />have to keep issuing fines, which is why she suggested issuing a fine and then if there is no <br />compliance, sending it to the court system. <br /> <br />Police Chief Way stated that it would be considered a misdemeanor violation. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that his concern with sending it to the court systems is that judges <br />will consider this something that they don't want to have to deal with, when they have more <br />important cases to consider. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session I July 8, 2008 <br />Page 2 of5 <br />