10-20-08-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - OCTOBER 20, 2008 7 Mayor Harpstead stated he was in favor of the affidavit process to understand which homes are being rented within the City. Community Development Director Lehnhoff explained the registration process would also allow staff the opportunity to interact with the community and to provide information on the expectations of the City. Mayor Harpstead noted the City of Shoreview has had their rental licensing program in force for the past three years. He indicated they do inspections on a yearly basis but that this was a process and would take time to create from scratch. City Attorney Filla suggested the City begin with rental registrations to give the City an idea of the scope of the problem and number of homes involved. Councilmember Holden questioned what item the garbage cans fell under. Community Development Director Lehnhoff explained this would fall under item two, Code Review and Amendments. Mayor Harpstead asked that the Council discuss fines. Councilmember McClung stated administrative fees would be the tool used most effectively and would reduce the need for full citations and court cases. Councilmember Holden questioned what offenses would qualify for an administrative fine versus the abatement pro~ess. Community Development Director Lehnhoff explained burning garbage, garbage cans, etc. He noted this could be greater defined by Council with the notification process which items would be violations with fines associated. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated he would like to use the narrow scope of abatement whenever possible as this was the quickest form of action that can be taken by the City. City Attorney Filla noted administrative fines were under discussion by the League of Minnesota Cities. He stated the fees were not able to be assessed to the properties at this time.