2000 APR 11 ADJ REG MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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lawn ordinance, rights of ways in front of private properties. Discussion followed on whether regulations would be applied to businesses and residents alike; screening of vehicles; abandoned vehicles; landscaping of rights of ways; curbs and gutters; and, storm drains. Comments followed on code enforcement and the Uniform Building Code provisions and the Uniform Property Dangerous Buildings provisions. It was emphasized that the proposed ordinance was expected to provide sufficient enforcement authority to gain compliance for the City Code. Sgt. Coe stated that the intention was to make Code enforcement officers proactive by using the administrative fines and penalties program. It was noted that the citizen volunteers were in charge of hanging (trashcan) door hangers and nuisance notices. Sgt. Coe reported that the primary hearing authority in nuisance abatement and public nuisance abatement issues would be the Code Enforcement/Housing Appeals Board. If the Board was not able convene, Sgt. Coe noted that a provision in the proposed ordinance allowed the City Manager to appoint the hearing authority, for the interim, to hear a specific case or cases so that matters could proceed. Sergeant Coe agreed to bring all subject ordinances together and to highlight the proposed changes. Inquiry was made on South Rancho businesses that had no landscaping versus those that were required to have landscaping; Sgt. Coe agreed to investigate the matter. It was reported that approximately 35 volunteers have developed their work schedules; maintained logs and worked quadrants of the City. Sergeant Coe described a recent Code Enforcement Commission workshop where the Brown Act and the Code Enforcement program were discussed. With consent and direction from City Council, City Manager Garcia said the proposed ordinance would be presented to the Commission for its review and approval prior to bringing it to the City Council. City Manager Garcia said he understood that Council wanted Chapter 19 to be comprehensive to expound on weed abatement, alleys, green lawn, public rights of ways, the definition of landscaping, the assurance that this action would apply to businesses as well as residential customers; pros and cons of volunteerism; and that application of the law be done fairly. Sergeant Coe said a special meeting would be called during the month of May and that he would agendize this item for extensive discussion and review with the attorney and that the proposed ordinance would be returned to Council's first meeting in June. Discussion followed on whether or not the administrative fees, fines and penalties program, comparable to Riverside's program, was acceptable. Fines were found to be competitive; however, it was suggested that there be flexibility on the time for compliance. Sgt. Coe stated that a "reasonable amount of time" term was included so that each individual instance would be taken into consideration. In conclusion, Council discussed the hardship waiver application (appeal from citation.) and the responsibility of the occupant versus landlord regarding property maintenance. ADJOURNMENT: At 7:39 P. M., with consensus of City Council, Mayor Pro Tempore Emeritus Cook declared the meeting adjourned. =S ELGA , DepntyCityClerk City Council Adj Mins Apr 11, 2000 2