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City Council Regular Meeting— OS/08/06 DRAFT Minutes - Page 15 Staff requested the reduction in the number of City Council meeting public hearings for abatement to be reduced from two to one; still providing the property owner an opportunity to speak at the City Council meeting; but reducing time the neighborhood must continue to tolerate a nuisance situation. Staff further requested that "graffiti" and "vegetative debris" be added to the list of public nuisances addressed under the accelerated abatement process; and provided their rationale for the request. Staff identified specific graffiti problem areas (i.e., refuse dumpsters); and the numerous complaints fielded by staff related to dead vegetative debris. Staff suggested, after further consideration and discussion, that proposed ordinance language be amended to read, R`�t vegetative debris." Discussion included specific areas of concern and non- compliance; staffs attempts to achieve resolution with and compliance by property owners; City Attorney clarification of written notice provided to property owner; and definition of vegetative debris and graffiti. Further discussion included staff discretion and consideration with planned removal versus storm damage issues; naturally wooded areas; stump removal; staff process for notification and compliance; legitimate backyard composting and mulch materials; and City Attorney Anderson's review of specific sections of the ordinance defining debris to avoid conflicts and confusion. Additional discussion included organic gardening and lawn care versus nuisance complaints; removal of tree stumps, whether uprooted or cut and still in ground, and current staff practice; definition of graffiti and whether authorized by the property owner as decoration or for artistic purposes, and the need for clarification; storage of cut wood on property; and composting issues versus nuisance issues. Staff and City Attorney Anderson discussed the three different