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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, November 26, 2007 Page 19 Property Owner/Representative Mr. Laxman Sundae, representing the property owner, who was present in the au- dience, but not confident speaking English sufficiently to present his situation, re- viewed the difficulties faced with problem tenants. Mr. Sundae noted that the se- quence of events leading up to this requested action had been eliminated; and dis- agreed with some allegations made by staff, and reviewed past attempts by the property owner to find resolution through the court process with tenants taking re- sponsibility for care of the property. Mayor Klausing acknowledged the property owner's negative experiences with difficult tenants; but advised Mr. Sundae that the City needed to consider public health, safety and welfare of neighbors and the City. Mayor Klausing clarified that, no matter who was the owner of garbage in the yard, the property owner was responsible to take care of the property. Further dialogue continued regarding the process; recourse available to the prop- erty owner; lack of response from tenants; current violations of the unlicensed ve- hicle in the driveway and tire on the side of the garage; ongoing violations, and apparent lack of interest of tenants and/or property owner in alleviating and cor- recting those violations; and ability of staff to have a quicker mechanism as a tool following court citation if additional or ongoing violations continue. Mr. Sundae noted the difficulty in determining if the property owner was author- ized to clean up violations; and what to do with refuse materials if and when re- moved from the property. Further discussion included the remedy sought and consequences of a citation be- ing issued; incentives to the property owner and/or tenants for compliance; staff rationale for and consistencies with other code violation actions by the City; and repeat offences needing to be identified and need to reinforce to the property owner their responsibility for violations. Pust moved, Klausing seconded, authorization to staff to work with the City's Prosecuting Attorney to issue a Ramsey County Court Citation to the owner of property at 2040-42 Brenner Avenue for ongoing public nuisance violations of City Code;" amended to include one additional site visit by staff to determine compliance. Further discussion included distinctions of repeat violations; legal remedies avail- able; and tools for future compliance. Councilmember Ihlan suggested amending the motion, for consistency with other code violation actions, to allow the property owner a short period of time (i.e., five days) to bring the property into compliance (removal of the tire and unli-