Laserfiche WebLink
August 27, 2024 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 4 <br />Councilmember Jenson asked if this ordinance upgrade gives Staff all the tools needed to do their jobs. <br />Mr. Sonterre stated it will as it is the tools we have. Councilmember Jenson referred to the 12 step <br />remedy process and asked how often Staff needs to follow the 9 steps. <br />Councilmember Doolan asked if the Code is more restrictive than State Statute? She believes this is not <br />just for native landscaped yards and it also applies to gardens. If a process is used for fees we also need <br />a plan to assist those residents unable to comply. Mr. Sonterre stated the Code as it reads currently in <br />section E is not correct as when that language was created the State created language that stated no <br />more than 18 inches. Changing our code to 18 inches would make St. Anthony compliant with the State <br />Statute. Mr. Sonterre stated we always look at factors that make it difficult for a resident to become <br />compliant. There are a number of resources that we can provide to residents. <br />Councilmember Jenson asked if there is an action item to change it to 18 inches. Mr. Sonterre stated this <br />was approved by Council and will be modified in the Code. <br />Mayor Webster noted there are volunteers within the City that may be willing to help those individuals <br />unable to care for their lawns/gardens. There may need to be different consequences for those unable <br />to comply due to various reasons. <br />Mr. Sonterre stated Staff does find an administrative citation to be a reasonable option for use in <br />circumstances in which steps 1-9 have been unsuccessful, ahead of seeking court ordered remedy. <br />Discussion may be needed on the timeline in which administrative citations might be applied to repeat <br />offenders versus first time unresolved violations. <br />The City Council is requested to provide comments and thoughts on the Staff’s Code Compliance <br />approach and whether administrative citations should be used for one or more types of violations. <br />Councilmember Doolan stated she has done some research as to what other cities are doing. It appears <br />St. Anthony has more grace than other cities in the area that do administrative fees. <br />Mayor Webster stated when considering citations if there are cases that end up in court, can you please <br />explain the documentation on the case. Mr. Sonterre stated it would include the 11 steps that are <br />outlined including attempts to go to the property and discuss with the property owner. Everything from <br />the reporting system is passed onto the City Manager to review. <br />Councilmember Jenson asked what the definition of administrative citation is and Mr. Sonterre stated it <br />is a fine that would go out to someone for lack of compliance. <br />Councilmember Stephens asked if Mr. Sonterre is satisfied with the 11 steps or would he prefer it to be <br />shorter. Mr. Sonterre stated when asked by a resident “what if I don’t” he does not have an answer. If <br />he were to say there would be a fine that may prompt action. There are other cities that are very quick <br />to react. If there are public health concerns, the City may act more quickly. <br />Councilmember Jenson asked Mr. Sonterre his opinion in applying administrative citations to the Code. <br />Mr. Sonterre stated it would be a tool that should be in the toolbox. He believes it provides the City with <br />something more to get remedy.