2007-09-18_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Member Kelsey inquired about building permit activity during 2007. Mr. Munson indicated that permit numbers remain high due to the large amount of commercial construction and residential remodeling taking place in the city. Member Pust asked how Roseville compares with other cities in terms of code enforcement staffing. Mr. Munson noted that he hasn’t performed a formal comparison but he would assume that Roseville is similar to other communities in this regard. Mr. Munson suggested options available to the city in order to address complaint issues more quickly: including adding seasonal staffing assistance in order to maintain a scheduled enforcement pattern and a clarification of the Ramsey County Court Citation process which involves more staff time than is currently available during the summer months. Mr. Munson noted that cases requiring a court citation are currently delayed until the winter months when staff can process them. The board discussed abatement as a tool in the code enforcement process. Mr. Munson indicated that abatement is a longer process than the citation process due to the contractor bid process as wells as additional reviews and inspections of the property. Mr. Munson noted that code enforcement staff has performed just a couple abatements during his tenure as Permits Coordinator, while accelerated abatements to perform graffiti removal, lawn mowing and trash pickup are performed more often. Mr. Munson noted that this accelerated abatement process does not require the approval of City Council. Member Maschka asked how the complaint case at 2967 Galtier St. became so lengthy. Mr. Munson explained that as more frequent violations at the property started to occur, the case became a priority for code enforcement staff. A ticket was issued to the property in January of 2007 and was appealed by the homeowner. Mr. Munson noted that the case was scheduled to go before City Council in June of 2007 but the matter was delayed due to concerns from the City Council that code enforcement staff was not following the correct procedures. Mr. Munson added that once the City Council provides direction to code enforcement staff at their meeting on September 24, they will proceed with the case. Member Maschka wondered why code enforcement staff solicits contractor bids for each abatement case versus having a contractor on retainer. Mr. Munson indicated that a competitive bid process is typical since these types of contracts involve large sums of money. Member Kelsey suggested utilizing the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) to perform these services. Ms. Bennett noted that the HRA hasn’t contract with for those types of services, however that may be an option to consider. Mr. Munson summarized the code enforcement process to the board. He noted that according to policy, a case will receive two notices, a ticket and then move to abatement or court citation. Mr. Munson stressed that code enforcement staff works to give property owners the opportunity to correct violations before taking increased action. Member Pust opined that a change may be needed in order to speed the process. Mr. Munson noted that of the 350 complaint cases opened this year, only approximately 15 are classified as problem cases. Member Maschka wondered if the code enforcement staff can identify the problem cases early in the process (yes). The board discussed the role the HRA can play in this matter by defining the issues surrounding code enforcement: lack of staffing resources, notice timeline procedures and the creation of an early intervention process to respond to problem cases more quickly. Member Pust noted that she will indicate to City Council at their September 24 meeting that the HRA is willing to take a role in code enforcement. Ms. Bennett added that the HRA may consider providing funding for additional code enforcement staff as a way to achieve their mission. She noted that many cities use their HRA levy to provide staff resources within their city. Mary Johnson of 601 Sextant Ave. addressed the board to express her concerns about the property located at 2424 Dale St. She noted that she has concerns over the maintenance of the home now that is has become a rental property. Ms. Johnson is concerned about the devaluation of neighborhood property values due to lack of maintenance of this particular home.