Agenda - Council - 07/10/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

CASE # a • ADOPT ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH AN ABATEMENT PROGRAM FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES; CASE OF CITY OF RAMSEY By: Sylvia Frolik, Asst. Community Development Director Background: On June 26, 2007, the City Council introduced a proposed ordinance to establish an abatement program for code enforcement purposes. Per Council direction, the code enforcement program will continue to be complaint -based and Staff can initiate complaints. The abatement ordinance would apply to commercial and industrial, as well as residential parcels. Observations: Time Frame for Corrective Action At the time of ordinance introduction, it was suggested that the prescribed time frame for property owners to remedy code violations be reduced from 21 to 14 days. 2. Hearing Exam At the Council meeting on June 26, it was the consensus that with City Council approval, the City Administrator would have the discretion to utilize a professional hearing officer or an • existing board or Commission as the hearing examiner. Staff is recommending the services of a professional hearing officer. To try and find a meeting date and time that works for 5 -7 commission members would be a challenge, especially since the ordinance requires a hearing within 10 days of the filing of the appeal. An outside agent, such as a professional hearing officer, brings objectivity to the process as well as experience. 3. Staff Administrative Fee For Coordination Of Abatement Activity The City's Rates and Charges must be amended to establish a fee for Staff to coordinate abatement activity. City Staff is suggesting $200.00; this fee would increase by $100 for each additional event on the same parcel within a 12 month period. An ordinance can be brought forward at the July 24 City Council meeting for introduction. 4. Selection of Subcontractors For Abatement Activity The selection of subcontractors for performing abatement activity would include, at a minimum, towing companies, disposal companies with staffing to load and haul away debris and junk, and mowing services. Staff is recommending: a) soliciting 3 quotes for towing services on a case by case basis; b) for removal and disposal of junk and debris estimated at less than $1,000.00, Staff would have the authority to select a company; jobs in excess of $1,000.00 would require seeking 3 quotes; c) the Sentence To Serve' program would be utilized for mowing; d) any other type of service required would also be subject to the $1,000 threshold for seeking quotes. is —63—