Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-DECEMBER 21, 2009 2 <br /> ]A. Community Enhancement Program: Administrative Fine Program and <br /> . Special Charges for Excessive Use of City Services Program (cont.) <br /> Community Development Director Lehnhoff explained the Council has been <br /> reviewing the code enforcement issues along with the abatement code. Council has <br /> since requested that staff research administrative fine programs, which was part of <br /> the 2009 work plan. He reviewed the current code enforcement trends. <br /> Community Development Director Lehnhoff ran through the proposed <br /> administrative fine program explaining that in some cases the threat of a fine <br /> encourages compliance, but that this program would not become a revenue <br /> generator. Staff expressed concern in that fines could not be assessed to properties, <br /> but instead became a civil court matter. He was also concerned that the costs of the <br /> program may out weigh the benefits. <br /> Community Development Director Lehnhoff then reviewed the excessive <br /> consumption program and noted this program could be assessed to property taxes if <br /> fines go unpaid. It was explained that the fines were a charge for City services, <br /> based on City staff time. He then asked for feedback from the Council. <br /> iCouncilmember Holden questioned if this applied to fire and police calls that <br /> were false alarms. <br /> City Attorney Filla indicated that these types of calls fell under a different statute. <br /> He explained that any fines or fees assessed to the public would need to be well <br /> documented by staff and defined within City code. <br /> Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated that John Mennenga could <br /> document his responses to property along with his cost per hour. <br /> Mayor Harpstead asked if there was another opportunity within a different statute <br /> to recover costs for multiple false alarms to a single property. <br /> Finance Director Iverson indicated the City does charge for false alarms at this <br /> time. <br /> City Attorney Filla suggested the name of the fine program be changed from <br /> excessive consumption to City service charge. <br /> Councilmember Holmes questioned how the fines would be assessed if the <br /> property was a rental. <br />