1A, Community Enhancement Program

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Since the City's primary goal is to obtain compliance, staff works diligently with properties before pursuing the civil or criminal citation process. The court process can take six to twelve months along with legal fees to obtain compliance during which time the property remains out of compliance. Existing Code Enforcement Resources The City currently has a quarter time code enforcement officer. The remaining three quarters of that position is dedicated to residential building reviews and inspections. Due to increasing code enforcement demands, the amount of time used for code enforcement in this position has been increasing, which decreases the amount of time available for required inspections. In addition to the Code Enforcement Officer, the Building Official, City Planner, Community Development Director, and other administrative staff contribute to code enforcement efforts as necessary. As part of the City's contract, the Ramsey County Sheriff is also responsible for enforcing the City's regulations. Their services are particularly needed after regular business hours and on weekends. Additional conversations with the Sheriff s office may be needed to ensure that the City's regulations are being enforced, and residents need to be educated to know that they are able to call Ramsey County during non -business hours. Complaint and Enforcement Policy In May of 2009, the City updated the code compliance policy. The purpose of the update was to provide a standard procedure and a clearer process to residents. The policy does allow for flexibility so that Staff can work toward the best outcome depending on the unique circumstances of a given situation. The policy is included in Attachment A. Administrative Fines The administrative fining process has grown in both popularity and in controversy in recent years. Page 5 of the City Attorney's July 31, 2008, letter describes the legal background for this tool (Attachment B). Recent action at the State Legislature has permitted cities to levy administrative fines for traffic related offenses; however, State statutes remain largely silent on administrative fines for other types of City Code violations. Nevertheless, it is the opinion of the City Attorney and the League of Minnesota Cities that a city is within its rights to enforce its own Code, and the use of administrative fines is a reasonable method for advancing that goal. Although definitive research on the effectiveness of administrative fines is not available, Staff spoke with other cities about their programs. Some cities use administrative fines extensively City of Arden Hills City Council Work Session for December 21, 2009 C: (Documents and Settings lbecky. brazys 1ocal Settings) Temporary Internet FilesDLK15R12-21-09 - Work Session - Admin Fines and Excessive Consumption.doc Page 3 of 6