Agenda - Council - 01/08/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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