Laserfiche WebLink
Clandestine Drug Labs Ordinance <br /> by Chief Jim Way <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />To reduce public exposure to the health risks from hazardous chemicals at suspected <br />Clandestine Drug Lab Sites or associated dumpsites, notification and cleanup procedures <br />are needed. Such sites may contain suspected chemicals and residues that place people, <br />particularly children or adults of child bearing age, at risk when exposed through <br />inhabiting or visiting the site, now and in the future. Law enforcement must notify <br />appropriate municipal, child protection and public health authorities of the property <br />location, owner, and conditions found. Additionally, if there is a determination of the <br />existence of a clandestine drug lab site or chemical dumpsite, the property will be <br />declared a public health nuisance. <br /> <br />Property owners are responsible for abatement of the public health nuisance. They must <br />immediately vacate those portions of the property, including building or structures <br />which may place persons at risk. Environmental testing and cleaning firms must also <br />conduct on-site assessments of the property. The property owner must notify the City of <br />actions taken to clean up the site, and is responsible for all costs of vacation or clean up <br />of the site. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />Staff recommends adopt of a "Clandestine Drug Lab" ordinance to reduce public exposure <br />to hcalth risks fi'om a drug lab site or associated dumpsite, and costs associated with clean <br />up by the property owner. <br /> <br />Council Action: <br /> <br />Motion by City Council to adopt the ordinance amending City Code to add Section 5.17 <br />Clandestine Drug Labs. <br /> <br />Reviewed by: <br /> <br />Police Chief Jim Way <br />City Attorncy Bill Goodrich <br />City Administrator Jim Norman <br /> <br /> <br />