PL MINUTES 01162001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 16, 2001 Page 3 t Commission's meeting packet. He explained this was a first draft after receiving a directive from 2 City Manager Morrison to address the City's Code enforcement policy. 3 Fire Chief Hewitt explained that the Fire Department has been in charge of Code enforcement for 4 several years and would like to involve all staff and commissions to assist them in this enforcement 5 activity. He stated that while they have made progress, he believes there is still room for 6 improvement and has talked with code enforcement officers of other communities to learn what they 7 are doing. 8 Fire Chief Hewitt commented on the importance of consistency in Code enforcement to avoid 9 confusion and treat all equally. He stated they found the Fire Department also needs training in 10 personal conflict resolution skills since they sometimes find themselves in the middle of 11 neighborhood conflicts. He stated they also need training about which Code and Code section would 12 apply so it can be identified which jurisdiction applies. Fire Chief Hewitt stated their intent to find 13 a win-win situation for all involved. 14 Fire Chief Hewitt stated they have developed a complaint form which is used by City staff when a 15 complaint call is received. He reiterated their desire to apply the Code consistently within a 16 reasonable time line. He reviewed how Fire Department officers are scheduled and their attempt to 4 assure timely complaint response. 18 Fire Chief Hewitt stated they also need to find a method to receive feedback from City staff and the 19 City Council. He read their overall goal which states: "To improve the visual impression of our 20 community, the City staff of St. Anthony Village are committed to the mission of enforcing the 21 Housing Code, to include residential and commercial properties by enforcing the land use and 22 housing provisions City Code, specifically the nuisance section; responding to the concerns and 23 complaints of our residents and City Council." 24 25 Fire Chief Hewitt stated he believes Code enforcement will result in improved neighborhood and 26 commercial appearances, growing pride of resident and business owners, maintaining property 27 values,instill confidence that violations will not be allowed to continue,and encourage reinvestment 28 in neighborhoods and commercial areas. 29 Fire Chief Hewitt stated they now have a digital camera to document photographs and present a 30 visual record of the condition of the site. He reviewed their efforts to determine the objective, an 31 enforcement procedure, office follow-up, and re-inspection. In summation, Fire Chief Hewitt 32 thanked the Planning Commission for their consideration of the issues raised and offered the 33 following recommendations: 34 To authorize discussion and facilitate discussion resulted from this correspondence with City 35 Council, Planning Commission and City Staff. • To provide conflict resolution,dealing with difficult people,Code jurisdiction identification 7 training to Fire Personnel. 38 To adopt the Overall Goal, and to review it annually for direction and approval by the City 39 Council