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Mayor LeTourneau asked how much of the cost can be recovered for problem properties that <br /> require abatement. <br /> Police Chief Katers replied that abatement is included as a line item in the budget and will be <br /> assessed back to the offending property. He stated that the cost is recovered but it could span a <br /> few years before that cost is recovered. He stated that abatement is expensive. He explained that <br /> a contractor charges more because they already have contracts for service and therefore charge <br /> the City a higher rate because the properties are in a bad situation. He provided the example of <br /> long grass in which the grass is one to two feet high when abatement is actually completed. <br /> City Administrator Ulrich stated that when there are hardship issues, staff is willing to work with <br /> property owners to get the help they need or provide them with the proper resources. <br /> Community Development Director Gladhill stated that staff has the ability to grant extensions <br /> and looks for signs of progress. He recognized that not all property owners are aware of zoning <br /> code requirements. He explained that some property owners need additional time because of <br /> hardships and noted that there is another category where the homeowner simply keeps pushing <br /> the extension. He reviewed a proposed process for extensions that could provide a balance of <br /> being fair to homeowners but also ensuring that compliance is reached. He referenced the issue <br /> of blighted properties and noted that in cases where there is financial hardship, there are <br /> sometimes funds available through Anoka County to assist in providing funding assistance. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove stated that sometimes church or community groups are willing to <br /> provide assistance as well for residents in the community that need help because of a hardship. <br /> Community Development Director Gladhill stated that staff does have connections available for <br /> government agencies or non-profits, but stated that while there would be additional <br /> opportunities, City staff needs to be careful with which private groups they would recommend. <br /> He noted that in a case of financial hardship, it would not be the City's position to broadcast <br /> them to obtain offers of assistance. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma recognized that staff is not proactively looking for violations. He agreed <br /> that the current method for the first notice would be sufficient but then believed that additional <br /> force could be placed on the second contact. <br /> Community Development Director Gladhill further explained the process that staff follows for <br /> violations including administrative citations. <br /> Councilmember Riley agreed that the focus should not be on the exceptions and extensions but <br /> on the property owners that are ignoring the notices and citations. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma stated that if there is a bank that is not reacting on a foreclosed property, <br /> a letter from the City Attorney would probably provide more enforcement. <br /> City Council Work Session/December 11,2018 <br /> Page 3 of 6 <br />