Minutes - Council Work Session - 07/23/2002

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Councilmember Hendriksen asked how that could not yet get on the docket while the other one did. City Attorney Goodrich stated it will get on the court docket eventually. Cotlncilmember Anderson referred to a property with several clean limousines where the neighbor has complained. She noted that if these were normal cars, there would be no problem but since they are considered "commercial vehicles," he gets complaints from the City. However, that resident has indicated he can see properties with junk vehicles in a number of places where no one does anything because those neighbors don't complain. She stated she understands the technicalities that commercial vehicles need to be screened; however, it doesn't make sense when you look at the practicality since these are nice looking limousines parked in the driveway. Community Development Director Frolik stated that occurs because of the City's policy to enforce based on complaint. She stated the City does not even have enough staff time to address that adequately. Mayor Gamec stated the City needs to handle the complaints and do a good job. He stated if staff had the tools to make that easier to do, that's the key. Mayor Gamec stated the Council needs to assure the Code has enough ."teeth" to have that occur. Councilmember Hendriksen stated no staff members should have to take abusive telephone calls. He stated his support to direct staff to draft a policy for Council review to hold abusive callers accountable and send that call to the appropriate person to handle that call in an appropriate way. He stated no one should call staff, yell at them, or use profanity. Community Development Director Frolik stated that there is no written policy but staff, has been verbally told to politely inform the caller that they can't talk to them unless they can talk in a reasonable tone and without profanity, and then they hang up. Councilmember Hendriksen suggested the call be transferred to someone who can get their name and address. Community Development Director Frolik stated the telephones have caller identification. Councilmelnber Hendriksen stated that information is then known and suggested that be written down in a policy. He stated if that kind of policy is in place, it will stop pretty quick. Councilmember Anderson asked how it would stop and if the caller would be called back or the call transferred to the Ramsey Police. City Council Work Session/July 23, 2002 Page 8 of 11