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City Council Study Session - 07/18/05 Minutes - Page 8 courts, but that it would vary from property to property. Further discussion included rezoning possibilities; abatement processes; continuation of non-conforming uses; leverage to get clean up completed satisfactorily and consistently; the potential role of the HRA in the clean up possibly through its borders and buffers program; and how staff concentrating on these properties impacted other outstanding code enforcement issues given limited staff and financial resources. Staff noted that they had been in contact with the neighbors since 2001, but that due to the perceived lack of action by the City related to the non-compliance issues and violations, the residents were losing confidence and faith in the City. Councilmember Ihlan spoke in support of rezoning properties to a lighter use to make them more compatible with residential neighborhoods. Staff noted that, given the potential vocal and public nature of the code compliance enforcement process, they were seeking political support from the City Council to proceed. Staff noted that their preference would be that, once action was successful with the first properties, the others would voluntarily come into compliance, without the need for citations or other City action. City Attorney Anderson opined that this was the usual outcome; that property owners talked to each other; and recommended that staff pursue the worst offender, work with legal counsel, and pursue the process, and other property owners will observe the situation and comply. Mr. Anderson noted that this was an enforcement team effort among staff, legal consultants, with Council support and backing. Mayor Klausing, with Council consensus, directed staff to proceed to ensure compliance with codes.