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City Council Study Session — 09/19/OS DRAFT Minutes - Page 7 in creating additional worl�load to prepare for the Council meeting "trial" as well as the court citation process. Mr. Welsch reviewed the budgetary implications and costs; philosophical issues; compliance of residence; and City Council confidence and trust in their staff and/or City Attorneys. Mr. Welsh noted the resident perception of the City's desire to be customer service orientated, and the length of time required for resolution of code compliance issues. Mr. Welsch opined that staff would prefer a quicker response time than currently achieved. Mr. Welsch advised that an annual average of less than 10-12 — compliance issues become problematic, and reach the citation _ stage, representing 1-2% that actually end up in court, a seemingly small percentage. Mr. Welsch sought Council direction on the future process. Councilmember Ihlan requested information on how other communities handle their code compliance. Mr. Welsch advised that, in his work in five other communities, he had never experienced the need for citations to come before the City Council prior to court citations issuance. City Attorney Squires noted that the current procedure was not unprecedented, but was an exception to the rule. Discussion included when the previous procedure changed (2002); implications to the City Prosecutor contract; and rationale for the current process to provide an open, public process. Councilmember Kough opined his support of the compliance issues coming before the Council as a compromise, time extension, and alternative option. Mayor Klausing questioned why injured neighbors identifying code compliance concerns needed to compromise. Mr. Welsch noted that other alternatives used by staff, condemnation and abatement, have proven beneficial; and reiterated that, without philosophical statement, staffs charge is