Minutes - Public Works Committee - 12/13/2011

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Chairperson McGlone requested guidance on the level of income required by other agencies that offer assistance. City Engineer Himmer indicated the County uses a maximum income of $12,000 during the previous year. He asked if written documentation should be required that the property owner has investigated other options and been unsuccessful. Councilmember Backous indicated that would be difficult to "police" and felt the surcharge could be used as a deterrent. City Engineer Himmer stated with the last consideration, the property owner provided an e -mail response denying participation in other programs. He asked whether the property owner should be required to submit something in writing or staff should track it down to verify that is the case. Public Works Director Olson noted the current policy is a good system because the surcharge is a deterrent but not high enough of be a penalty, it is flexibly written, and the property owner is required to provide written communication showing they have been turned down for financing. Chairperson McGlone supported requiring proof from the applicant that they have done due diligence. Councilmember Wise indicated it is difficult to think of every possible scenario and the policy can be tweaked in the future, if needed. City Engineer Himmer stated staff will prepare a report for presentation to the City Council. Case #2: Consider Requirements for Information that Must be Included on Certificates of Survey City Engineer Himmer reviewed the staff report. Chairperson McGlone asked if this is required. by Code. He felt there was an expectation by owners that the City enforced the Code so their building/home must be up to Code. Chairperson McGlone stated he understands the issue but wonders if it is the City's problem. He indicated he had spoken with someone who had to hire a surveyor to certify his home was correctly constructed because there was a requirement to get flood insurance. Chairperson McGlone asked if every builder is doing it wrong and if it is something the City should be doing to guarantee it is done correctly for the homeowner. City Engineer Himmer stated it is not required in the Building Code but final grading inspection is required. Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that in today's economic times, lenders are looking more closely at flood insurance so staff is getting a lot of telephone calls at the time of closing about flood zone designations. He explained that many times it appears the structure is outside of the flood zone but the zone crosses a portion of the property. If the City does not have Public Works Committee / December 13, 2011 Page4of7