Minutes - Council - 08/28/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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doing these things for several years, and not just this one event. Interim City Administrator Nelson indicated Councilmember Strommen has echoed her comment with regard to the 2008 budget discussion. As they look forward to next year they need to consider reflecting the time for these things in overtime budgets for police and fire if the City will be supporting this type of event. Council member Look stated it is clear due to the nature of this type of event that this is a one-time deal. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Look, Elvig, Dehen, Jeffrey, Olson, and Strommen. Voting No: None. Case #8: Adopt an Ordinance Amending 5.08 (Public Nuisances), 5.11 (Weeds), and 5.12 (Condition of Premises) of Chapter Nine of City Code; Case of City of Ramsey Police Chief Way reviewed that the City Council recently adopted an abatement ordinance that will become effective within the next month. In the process of crafting the ordinance, it came to staff s attention that there were changes necessary to the public nuisance, condition of premises, and weeds sections of Chapter Five. The purpose of these proposed amendments is to consolidate public nuisances, identify City Code violations that would be subject to abatement, and clarify and specify the definitions of junk vehicles and other nuisance activities. In addition to these changes, Council has expressed interest in establishing an administrative citation process as an alternative to a citation that is routed through the County court system. This ordinance establishes that administrative citation process. Police Chief Way stated when the Council introduced this ordinance on August 14, 2007, two changes were discussed with regard to the appeals process and progressive penalties. The appeals process has been revised to require the appealer to provide a written explanation of their request. In order to implement a progressive penalty program, officers would need to enhance fine amounts at the scene. Data regarding prior incidents may not be available at that time, which would cause confusion for both the officer and the offender by not knowing the penalty. Staff is requesting that the progressive penalty be researched for future implementation into the rate schedule. Mr. Way stated he has discussed this case with Councilmember Dehen and some changes were added today. Mr. Way outlined the changes as included in the updated ordinance. Council member Dehen requested the following additional changes: 5.08.02: Abandoned Vehicle: "... current license plates or tabs, or proof of insurance upon demand..." Mayor Gamec stated there is a gentleman that has two cars stored at the family house that belong to individuals in the service. The insurance was removed from the vehicles, but they still have their plates on. He noted this may be a unique situation. Council member Dehen replied a simple solution would be would be to put the vehicles in the garage, or there could be a hardship provision. City Council / August 28, 2007 Page 22 of 33