IV.6. Approve Resolution 2016-036, Amending City Code Section 1020.31 to Include Fees for Abatement of Tall Grass, Weeds and Encroaching Brush; Stadler (CR2016-048)��.
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Aprll 28, 2016 ,Y p Council Report 2016-048
APPROVE RESOLUTION 2016-036, AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 1020.31
TO INCLUDE FEES FOR ABATEMENT OF TALL GR.ASS, WEEDS, AND
ENCROACHING BRUSH
Proposed Action.
Staff recommends the following motion: Adopt Resolution 2016-03 6, revising the fees to be
charged for City abatement of tall �rass, weeds, and brush encroachment.
Overview.
As discussed at the April 12 City Council Work Session, staff proposes to amend City Code
Section 1020.31 for tall grass, weeds, and encroaching brush abatement and penalty fees. Staff
proposes changing from customized invoicing to a flat fee for these services. The current system
involves the detailed tracking of personnel and equipment so each billing is customized.
Itemizing each invoice is very time intensive. Also with the current billing method, no fees are
collected to defray the cost of staff time spent inspecting, sending notices, or billing; per City
Code Section 615.08 Subd 3 these are billable expenses.
By setting flat fees, the billing process will be significantly simplified yet remain fair.
The proposed Nuisance Abatement fees are as shown on the attached resolution.
Primar_y Issues to Consider:
• Proposed Abatement fees and comparison to current fees
Supportin� Information.
• Analysis of Issues
• Resolutio 2016-03 6
Steven J. Stadler, Public Works Director
Financial Impact: $ n/a Budgeted: Y/N Source: Fund Related Documents
(CIP, ERP, etc.): Notes:
City Council Report 2016-048
Page 2
Anal_ysis of Issues
The proposed Nuisance Abatement fees are as follows:
ALLEY/SIDEWALK/BOULEVARD Fee to Abate Penalty Fee
MOW OR TRIM Tall Grass/Weeds
Failure to Mow/Trim — lst Offense $180 N/A
Failure to Mow/Trim — 2n Offense $180 $25.00
Failure to Mow/Trim — 3rd Offense $180 $50.00
Each Additional Violation $180 Double the
Previous Amount
Mow LoT — Fee to Abate Penalty Fee
PARTIAL OR FULL Tall Grass/Weeds
Failure to Mow — lst Offense $260 N/A
Failure to Mow — 2n Offense $260 $25.00
Failure to Mow — 3r Offense $260 $50.00
Each Additional Violation $260 Double the
Previous Amount
Brush, Yard Waste Bag and Bulk Item pick-up fees will apply.
Staff reserves the right to bill as needed for staff time and equipment required
in extreme cases.
Below is an example of a residence that was abated twice in 2015 and how those charges
compare to what is being proposed.
2015 Proposed 2016 Notes
08/28/15 $168.80 $210.00 Trimmed trees/bushes along sidewalk.
180 + 30 b�ush Hauled away 15 yards of brush.
(� �
pick-up cha�ge)
11_ /02/ 15 $19 5° 62 $2 8 5, 0 0 Mowed/whipped entire property9 front
260+ 25 enal & back. Blew sidewalks, cleaned up
(� �$ p i�'� . .
trash. Trimmed bushes along sidewalk
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2016-036
RESOLUTION AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 1020.31 FOR TALL GRASS,
WEEDS, AND ENCROACHING BRUSH ABATEMENT AND PENALTY FEES
WHEREAS, the City Council has enacted City Code Section 61 S, which assures that
property be maintained in a decent, safe and sanitary condition; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the City has authority to abate a nuisance
property; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the City has a right to charge for all abate-
ment costs incurred; and
WHEREAS, the current fees are insufficient to counter the real costs of abatement; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hopkins, Min-
nesota, that the City Council accepts the nuisance abatement and penalty fees as proposed:
ALLEY/SIDEWALK/BOULEVARD Fee to Abate Penalty Fee
Mow oR T�M Tall Grass/Weeds
Failure to Mow/Trim — lst Offense $180 N/A
Failure to Mow/Trim — 2na Offense $180 $25.00
Failure to Mow/Trim — 3rd Offense $180 $50.00
Each Additional Violation $180 Double the Previous
Amount
Mow LoT — Fee to Abate Penalty Fee
PARTIAL OR FULL Tall Grass/Weeds
Failure to Mow — lst Offense $260 N/A
Failure to Mow — Znd Offense $260 $25.00
Failure to Mow — 3''d Offense $260 $50.00
Each Aciciitional �iolation $260 Double the Previous
Amount
*Brush, Yard Waste Bag and Bulk Item pick-up fees will apply.
�* Staff reserves the right to bill as needed for staff time and equipment re-
quired in extreme cases.
Adopted by the City Council of Hopkins, Minnesota, this 3rd day of May, 2016.
Molly Cummings, Mayor
ATTEST:
Amy Domeier, City Clerk