Agenda - Council - 06/08/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Heineman commented that this is a unique situation that has been a learning experience for the City. He stated that he supports moving on and refunding the money to the Seamans. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the Seamans paid a fine for not pulling a permit. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill commented that fines were not charged to the property. Councilmember Musgrove asked staff to follow up on that, as she believes that $250 was paid. Jodell Seaman confirmed that they paid $250 following the letter from the City. Councilmember Musgrove commented that while the permit was not pulled, the fine was paid once it was brought to the attention of the property owner. She stated that this improvement protects the wetland. She commented that there are grass clippings and other activities occurring within the easement area that is not helping the wetland. She believed that the City needs to develop a different approach to manage this area and the residents should not be faulted for what may not have been known. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that he is not aware of grass clippings being dumped into the easement but that would not surprise him as there are grass clippings being dumped along the Mississippi. He agreed that public education of the easement, what is allowed and how it can be improved could be a part of this next phase. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that staff would like direction from the Council as to a proactive educational campaign and whether that would be desired. He thanked Council for the additional staff member devoted to code enforcement which has allowed staff to better follow up on those cases. He stated that for the past two years staff has not has sufficient resources to adequately address code enforcement. He stated that it seems there is not clear direction on whether the Council supports proactive code enforcement and education. Councilmember Musgrove commented that she would support the educational component for the properties along this easement corridor. Councilmember Howell stated that her concern would be that there is a broader problem that needs to be solved rather than creating a situation that would replicate what has occurred with the Seamans. She believed that the issues within the City side of the easement should be addressed prior to attempting to address issues on the resident side. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that if the easement is vacated along those properties, and those residents are notified, perhaps that would be an opportunity to educate the property owners about the floodplain and its boundaries. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill confirmed the consensus of the majority of the Council that the City should be responsible for the repayment of the grant, the $1,500 should be refunded to the City Council Work Session / May 11, 2021 Page 7 of 9