02-05-2013 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 5, 2013 Page 4 of 6 ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE PARK COMMISSION. Council Member Bloyer seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. ITEM 16: ADOPT ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION FEES; RESOLUTION 2013-08 City Administrator Zuleger explained the history of the code enforcement in Lake Elmo. The 2010 ordinance was passed and required the City to set fees. The City has not done so to date. The fees were discussed with City Attorney Snyder. Mr. Zuleger outlined the fee schedule, explained the benefits, and acknowledged the concerns that some members have. He also described the current and proposed practice/process. The City has not issued any fines to date. There is the hope that the threat of a monetary penalty will encourage compliance. The City does not foresee policing properties, but will continue to rely on adjacent and neighboring property owners to report issues. The goal is to maintain property values and promote health and safety within the City. Council Member Nelson asked about list of violations. Mr. Zuleger stated that the spectrum is broad and involves the entire code. Mr. Zuleger provided a general list of issues that have been Council Member Smith asked for clarification on the process. She asked about the failure to pay and whether it goes to property taxes. City Attorney Snyder stated that ultimately the fines will have to be judicially enforced if the violator refuses to pay. The vast majority of issues get resolved by the prospect of enforcement. Ms. Smith also asked about rental properties. Does the fine go to the tenant or landlord? Mr. Zuleger stated that the City has been working with the Landlords or property owner. Ms. Smith expressed her pleasure with this issue finally being addressed. Council Member Bloyer stated his support for following rules and changing the rules if needed. MOTION: Council Member Smith moved TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2013-08, THEREBY APPROVING THE ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION FEE SCHEDULE. Mayor Pearson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. ITEM 17: APPROVE 2013 FEE SCHEDULE; ORDINANCE 08-068 City Administrator Zuleger explained the proposed changes and the reasoning for the updates. Staff will be performing a comprehensive fee audit through the next year. There was a discussion of park land dedication rates. Council Member Nelson asked about Staff’s audit timeline. Mr. Zuleger stated that the audit will be ongoing. WAC, SAC, sewer connection and lateral benefit charges, and water rates. March or April is the expected timeframe to bring back the known items. There will be several structural issues addressed in the future. Council Member Smith asked about bulk water rates and whether they are new. Finance Director Bendel confirmed that this fee is not new, but Staff will be doing more to coordinate with residents that need this.