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Doug Fountain, 15255 Garnet Street NW, Ramsey, stated that Council has heard him express his <br />concerns before about passing ordinances and then not enforcing them. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer suggested there is selective enforcement and she wanted Council to get <br />involved to see what the problem is, thus a tour should be scheduled. <br /> <br />Mr. Fountain felt that Councilmember Beyer misunderstood his question. Do we really intend to <br />enforce this ordinance and how will it be enforced? <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin replied yes, we intend to enforce these ordinances. This all came about through <br />enforcement of ordinances. We tried to update the ordinance so it was something we could <br />enforce. Some of these things just did not make sense. This has changed and in some way it's <br />cleaned up and in some ways it's more liberal. The intent is to move on this ordinance and enforce <br />it across the board. <br /> <br />Mr. Fountain stated this is the only effort of the City initiating action from investigation of an <br />ordinance violation. Any ordinance violation required a complaint from someone. It's ridiculous <br />to pass ordinances that have to be investigated by citizens. Let's not pass legislation to see it on <br />paper, let's pass it so it can be enforced. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that we have the ability in the 1997 budget to dedicate enforcement of codes. <br />If we start enforcing this in an affmnative way rather than wait for a complaint, there will still be <br />people who feel they will be treated unfairly. In 1997, we do not have in the work plan to go out <br />and actually enforce ordinances but we do have it in the budget. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson stated that by having these standards, it informs people of what we can <br />work under. Many people obey ordinances if they know what they are. Sometimes a letter to that <br />effect will remedy the situation. <br /> <br />Mr. Fountain referred to Case//2 on tonight's agenda. It states that someone did some grading and <br />filling and they did not obtain a permit. There was no enforcement of this ordinance a couple of <br />years ago. <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin stated he would like to see Council proceed with the ordinance. We can make <br />modifications later. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman stated he has no other questions on this. <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin pointed out that it would be impossible to address every situation. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer stated she is just asking that this be tabled until after a tour of the properties. <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin stated he did not have a problem with the tour. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Beahen and seconded by Councilmember Peterson to adopt the <br />ordinances discussed. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Attorney Randall cautioned that if the ordinance is defeated, Council would <br />have to start over again from scratch. <br /> <br />Motion withdrawn by Councilmembers Beahen and Peterson. <br /> <br />City Council/November 26, 1996 <br /> Page 9 of 17 <br /> <br /> <br />