HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-04 PACKET 04.C.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING ITEM #
DATE 4/4/2012
PREPARED BY Finance Department Robin Roland
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR
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COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST
1. Consider declaring costs to be assessed and ordering the preparation of the proposed
assessment roll for the removal of noxious weeds and plants from private property.
2. Consider calling a hearing for May 2, 2012, on the proposed assessment for the removal of
noxious weeds and plants from private property.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt the resolution declaring costs to be assessed and ordering the preparation of the
proposed assessment roll for the removal of noxious weeds and plants from private property.
2. Adopt the resolution calling a hearing for May 2, 2012, on the proposed assessment for the
removal of noxious weeds and plants from private property.
BUDGET IMPLICATION $
BUDGETED AMOUNT
ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION
❑ PLANNING
❑ PUBLIC SAFETY
❑ PUBLIC WORKS
❑ PARKS AND RECREATION
❑ HUMAN SERVICES /RIGHTS
❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
® MEMO /LETTER:
® RESOLUTION:
❑ ORDINANCE:
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS
Fl_
ACTUAL AMOUNT FUNDING SOURCE
REVIEWED
APPROVED
DENIED
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City Administrator Date
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COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER
City of Cottage Grove
Finance and Community Development Departments
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
FROM: Robin Roland, Finance Director
Lauren Nacar. Assessment Clerk
DATE: April 4, 2012
RE: Assessment of Removal of Weeds on Private Property
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Introduction
City Ordinance 4-3-1 (Noxious Weeds and Plants; height restrictions) states that it is unlawful to
allow or permit any growth of weeds, grass, brush, or other rank vegetation to a height greater
than eight inches, or any accumulation of dead weeds, grass or brush. The City was required to
contract for the removal of these conditions on several properties in 2011 and Minnesota State
Statute 429.101 provides cities the ability to assess the costs associated with the removal or
elimination of weeds from these private properties.
Discussion
In late 2011, due to warm weather, the Code Enforcement Officer issued eight letters to property
owners for violations of the City's Noxious Weeds and Plants; height restrictions ordinance. The
property owner was given ten days to abate the conditions or the City would do so and assess
the property owner for the cost of the mowing and an abatement fee.
The property owner did not abate the conditions. Six of these properties are currently vacant.
The City contracted with a vendor to have these properties mowed. This assessment is for the
actual cost of the mowing and a tall weed abatement fee which is charged as follows:
o $50.00 for first violation in 24- months
o $100.00 for second violation in 24- months commencing within first violation
o $200.00 for third and subsequent violations in 24- months commencing within first
violation
The assessment notice for these weed violations will be published on April 18 and an
individual notice will be sent to the property owners. The assessment hearing will be held on
May 2, 2012. Once these costs are assessed it becomes a lien on the property that will be
collected along with property taxes over a one -year period.
Recommendation
Adopt the resolutions as presented to declare the costs and call the assessment hearing.
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RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING
PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR REMOVAL OF NOXIOUS
WEEDS AND PLANTS FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY
WHEREAS, contracts were let for the removal of noxious weeds and plants from
private property and the costs incurred for such removal were $654.02, with administrative
costs incurred amounting to $800.00 for a total cost of $1,454.02.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Cottage Grove,
County of Washington, State of Minnesota, as follows:
1. The net cost of such removal to be assessed is declared to be $1,454.02.
2. The Finance Director will calculate the proper amount to be assessed for such
improvements against the benefiting property without regard to cash valuation as
provided by law and shall file a copy of proposed assessment roll in the City
Clerk's office for public inspection.
3. The City Clerk shall, upon completion of such assessment roll, notify the City
Council therefor
Passed this 4 day of April 2012.
Myron Bailey, Mayor
Attest:
Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk
F.T4 TON11100000 1M.
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR HEARING ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS FOR
THE REMOVAL OF NOXIOUS WEEDS AND PLANTS FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY
WHEREAS, by Resolution 12 -XXX, passed by the City Council on April 4, 2012, the
Council directed the Finance Director to prepare the proposed assessment roll for removal of
noxious weeds and plants from private property and
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has notified the Council that such assessment roll is com-
plete and filed in her office for public inspection.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of Cottage Grove,
County of Washington, State of Minnesota, as follows:
1. A hearing shall be held on the 2 nd day of May, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. to pass upon
such proposed assessment roll.
2. The Finance Director is hereby directed to cause a Notice of Hearing on the pro-
posed assessments to be published in the Washington County Bulletin, the offi-
cial newspaper of the City, at least two (2) weeks prior to the hearing and shall
state in the notice the total cost of the improvement and the proposed interest
rate of 7 percent. The Finance Director shall cause mailed notices to be given to
the owner of each parcel described in the assessment roll.
Passed this 4 th day of April, 2012.
Myron Bailey, Mayor
Attest:
Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk
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