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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 1998 • Page 6 by Gondorchin at the November 24, 1998 regular Council meeting. . 3. Review Proposed Street Lighting Policy. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated a street lighting policy had been drafted by Jay Hartman, Public Works Director, and discussed at a recent Council work session, at which time Councilmember Dennis Cavanaugh requested the Planning Commission review the policy. She added the policy was drafted in an attempt to formalize and define the City's street lighting criteria. Bergstrom stated the Commission supports the draft policy and related approval form. 4. Review Code Enforcement Report from Fire Chief. Ms. Moore-Sykes presented the Code Enforcement Report from Fire Chief Dick Johnson which Councilmember Dennis Cavanaugh requested the Planning Commission to review. Bergstrom welcomed Johnson and invited him to address the Commission and answer questions. A. Interpretation of Code. Johnson reviewed his code enforcement policy for which the Fire Department has been • responsible for a year, presenting examples of how he deals with code violations at his discretion. He added code enforcement should not be viewed as a form of revenue enhancement..Bergstrom asked whether financial penalties are automatically applied in all cases. Johnson stated citations can be issued in certain circumstances. Bergstrom requested clarification with regard to signs in the public right-of-way. Johnson stated political and other signs must be 15 feet from the curb out of the right-of- way, which varies from street to street. Gondorchin asked whether a tracking mechanism will be put into place to determine repeat offenders and make efficient use of the Fire Department's time. He added Johnson's methods are right on track and meet the City's enforcement needs. Johnson stated he attempted to establish a pattern using 6-7 years of enforcement records,but there was no consistency. Bergstrom asked whether Johnson has anything to indicate that what he is doing is working. Johnson stated the City has fewer junk cars, garbage houses are cleaner than in previous years, and the number of complaints recorded by City staff has gone down drastically. He added he talks to people constantly, gets to know areas and residents, and works things out on a case-by-case basis. Wagner stated he was part of the team which designated the Fire Department for Code • Enforcement, adding he believes it was a good decision. He commended Johnson for his efforts and encouraged him to continue his good work in the community.