Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JULY 8, 2015 <br />it was difficult to prove that it was a public safety issue. The Attorney <br />indicated that some cities require non -climbable fencing a minimum of 4 <br />feet in height. <br />Montour noted that even if the City is not liable for a non -maintained pool, <br />there is still the issue that some of these pools are eyesores. <br />HOUSING Keis noted the pictures that staff provided relative to various housing <br />MAINTENACE maintenance issues. He felt hazardous conditions such as missing or <br />ISSUES deteriorated stairs should be addressed. However, roofs with mold or <br />siding that may need painting are situations that are more subjective. <br />The City Administrator indicated that the Cities of Shoreview and Golden <br />Valley have housing maintenance codes that are more basic in nature. The <br />Administrator indicated that currently the City utilizes its Nuisance <br />Ordinance to address some housing maintenance issues. He indicated the <br />need to update that Code. He also pointed out that staff has looked at the <br />International Property Maintenance Code and some other city codes that <br />are very in-depth and onerous. The Administrator felt a more basic code <br />would work for Little Canada. <br />The Administrator then reviewed the Building Official's report comparing <br />the estimated cost of improvements to original building permit value for <br />property addresses that the City has received property maintenance <br />complaints about. He noted that none of these meet the standard in the <br />code that says the deterioration must be at least 50% of the original <br />property value in order for the City to proceed with action. <br />Keis noted that it is easy to determine that grass needs to be cut, but <br />pointed out the subjective nature of determining whether or not the paint <br />on a house has deteriorated to the point where the City has to take <br />enforcement action. The Administrator also noted that there are situations <br />where property owners do not have the funds to make improvements. <br />Montour noted that there are senior property assistance programs that the <br />City might direct these property owners to. <br />From an enforcement standpoint, the City Attorney noted that legally the <br />City may spend a lot of money on enforcement and not get a lot <br />accomplished. The Administrator indicated that if the City is going to <br />undertake the abatement of property nuisances, he feels the City Code <br />needs to be strengthened and clarified. The City Attorney indicated that <br />building code violations and safety issues was one thing, but suggested <br />that issues such as deteriorating paint, he would not address. The City <br />Attorney felt that the most successful programs that he has seen is where a <br />city has the property owners in and has a discussion with them. In some <br />cases he has seen where the building official has directed property owners <br />to low interest financing options. The City Attorney indicated that he has <br />6 <br />