Ramsey Resident - 2001 - July/August

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UNSIGHTLY BLIGHT — NOT ENCOURAGED IN RAMSEY Chapter 5.12 of the City Code very clearly states that no area zoned as residential or general business or a highway business, may store or accumulate junk, trash, rubbish, or refuse, except refuse stored in such a manner as not to create a nuisance for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. The term "junk" shall include any and all parts of machinery or motor vehicles, unused stoves or other appliances stored in the open; remnants of wood; decaying, weathered or broken construction materials no longer suitable for safe, approved building materials; metal or any other material or cast -off material of any kind whether or not the same could be put to any reasonable use (5.12.01). This restriction also holds for the existence of any structure or part of a structure, which, because of fire, wind or other natural disaster or physical deterioration, is no longer useful for any other purpose for which it may have been intended. Also restricted are vacant dwellings, garages, or other outbuildings, unless such buildings are kept secured and maintained (12.12.01). If in the judgment of the health authority, Zoning Officer or Police Chief or another designee of the City Administrator, they find a blighted condition within the City limits, they will then issue a written notice to the owner or occupant, requiring the removal of the blight. If the violation noted in the written notification is not remedied within ten (10) days of its issuance, the City Council has the authority to order that the violation be abated at City expense. Such action is subject to recovery through the courts plus an additional 25 %. If the court ordered cost plus 25% is not paid, then the City has the authority to order the County Auditor to certify the amount as a special tax against the subject property (5.12.02 and 5.12.03) . Any person violating any provision of this Section may also be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both (5.12.04). The City charges .30¢ per page for copies to cover administration costs. HEAD START Head Start is a quality preschool program for children who will be three or four years old by September 1 of this year and their families. There is NO COST to families who participate in the program. Families must meet income guidelines. Any family enrolled in the MFIP program, including child care assistance, and S SI, and foster children are eligible even if their annual income exceeds the current guidelines. Head Start focuses on the child's physical, intellectual, emotional and social development while providing advocacy for parents. Head Start serves children and their families of any race, color, creed, national origin, and special needs. It is fun, educational and FREE to eligible families. For more information and to obtain an application call the Anoka/Washington County Head Start program at 763 - 783 -4300. COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN RESIDENTAL AREAS Ramsey's off - street parking ordinance restricts the outside storage of commercial vehicles and equipment in residential districts. The three key requirement of City Code include ownership, screening and parking surface pad. All vehicles and equipment must be owned or leased by the homeowner, or owned or leased by the employer of the homeowner. The commercial vehicles or equipment must be stored in the side or rear yard of the property and screened from the street and all neighboring properties by 75% from ground level view. This is usually accomplished by installing wood privacy fencing that is 6 to 8 feet high. The Code also has a minimum parking surface requirement. In the urban areas of Ramsey - the area within the Metropolitan Urban Services Area boundary (MUSA) - the Code requires bituminous pavement or concrete. In the rural areas outside the M.U.S.A. boundary; the Code requires a con -bit or prepared gravel surface. No commercial vehicles and equipment may be stored outside in a residential district if it does not meet the above standards. Violation of the City Code is a misdemeanor criminal offense. If you have questions regarding the City Code requirements regarding off - street parking, please call the Community Development Department at 763 - 427 -1410. As a general rule, the freedom of any people can be judged by the volume of their laughter. — Anonymous 13