05-11-2016 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MAY 11, 2016 The Code Enforcement Officer stated that the third property is the old A&W restaurant at 3006 Rice Street, and this is the biggest problem property. She explained that the building has been vacant since 2010 and was sold in June 2012 to Leon Properties, but they have done nothing to the property since they purchased it. She noted that the City has sent multiple notices to Leon Properties dealing with maintaining a public nuisance as a result of debris that has been dumped on the site and on- going tall grass. She stated that the City has had to proceed with abating the debris and long grass a few times because the owners have not responded to corrective action notices. She noted that the City sent a letter to the owners in February asking to meet with thein about the state of the site and their plans for the property, and have received no response. The Code Enforcement Officer stated that the current City Code can deal with signage, grass, junk, debris, and any hazardous building issues. She explained that there have been no problems with any of the vacant buildings needing to be boarded up because of forced entry or broken windows. She stated that the large potholes in the parking lot and on- going long grass are the real issues for the former A&W site. She stated that City Staff reviewed what other neighboring cities have for tools to address similar situations. She explained that all three cities stated that they do not have ordinance language specific to maintaining the building, such as paint, removal of prior business memorabilia. She stated that Brooklyn Center has a vacant building ordinance and registration requirement. She noted that the City could adopt the International Property Maintenance Code, but it is an extensive document and the Council had decided in the past that it was too cumbersome for our needs. Fischer asked if only certain parts of the International Property Maintenance Code could be adopted. The City Administrator stated that could be discussed. McGraw stated he thinks the City needs more tools for code enforcement available. The City Administrator stated City Staff talk to the City Attorney to verify what can be abated, and address the parking lot and signage at A&W. There was consensus among the City Council that City Staff should consider adding more to the property maintenance code. DISCUSS CITY The City Administrator stated that Councihnember Torkelson has been INTEGRATED researching different website options and information about the City's COMMUNI- existing website, along with meeting with some City Staff to discuss a CATIONS PLAN new City Facebook page and website. Torkelson showed the City's website traffic data from January 1, 2013 through April 30, 2016. He stated that there is not a lot of website traffic, except during Canadian Days, and slight increases for specific events that get heavy promotion, PA