Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/14/2008

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extensions to get it done. He stated that they work with people and if they need more time, they give it to them, but do set a time limit. Councilmember Dehen stated that he disagrees with Councilmember Look, and feels that money talks. He stated that he thinks the reason why the City is having some issues with this abatement process being dragged out is because it is a freebie. He stated that he thinks if people have to put some money out in filing fees, for example, it will be a deterrent. He stated that regarding Councilmember Strommen's comments on whether the City wants to actively engage in that type of thing, clearly it doesn't, but the City has a health, safety and welfare function and when people are just not complying with permit processes, he asked what leverage the City has, if nothing is done. He stated that he thinks the City needs to have something to use. Councilmember Strommen stated that she never said the City shouldn't do anything and noted that there was a list of options included in the packet. She stated that she just doesn't want to go in and put siding on someone's house. Mayor Gamec stated that it sounds like the Police Department is doing a good job of working with people and he sees nothing wrong with being nice, but firm. He stated that he thinks the intent is to work with people because this is a new process for people, especially those in rural areas. Police Chief Way stated that he thinks there needs to be more discussion .on this issue before a decision is made. City Administrator Ulrich stated that he will place this on a future agenda for more discussion. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF INPUT Community Development Director Miller stated that Ralph's Gun and Pawn has been delinquent in rent payments for four months. She stated that she met with the leasee on Friday and he told the City that he is broke and not looking for a payment plan because he cannot make any payment at this time. She noted that there are also two criminal complaints that the Police Department is working on. She stated that staff would like to proceed with the eviction process for failure to pay rent. She suggested setting up a revocation hearing for the pawnshop license for November 10, 2008, in front of the Council rather than hiring a hearing examiner. Mayor Gamec stated that he doesn't think the City needs to hire a hearing examiner and agrees the Council can handle this one on their own. Councilmember Dehen asked if the hearing was just regarding failure to pay rent. Community Development Director Miller stated that the revocation hearing is related to the criminal violations and the eviction hearing would be handled separately. City Attorney Goodrich stated that the eviction hearing could be held before the revocation hearing because it may have bearing on the case City Council Work Session / October 14, 2008 Page 6 of7