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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, July 26, 2010 Page 11 status on the property noted numerous areas on the rear of the home and garage needing significant attention to address safety and aesthetic concerns, evidence of squirrels entering the structure, and a brush pile on site in the rear yard. Mr. Munson advised that staff had provided several written notices, as well as at- tempting on-site visits with the homeowner, with no response; however, he noted that the water bill was being paid, so the homeowner was apparently receiving his mail. Mr. Munson advised that it was staff's intent to obtain several bids, as the full scope of the job was unknown, pending removal of outer materials to see the condition underneath. Mr. Munson summarized the proposed abatement, consist- ing of the rear of the house and garage deteriorated and in need of maintenance, estimating a total abatement cost of approximately $8,000.00. Staff recommended that the Community Development Department be authorized to abate the unresolved City Code violations at 1890 Hamline Avenue. Discussion included the structural integrity of the majority of the home on the front side and no intent to remove any portions of the rear structure at this time; potential removal of at least two windows to be replaced by posts to address Safety concerns; no confirmation from the post office of the delivery and/or ac- ceptance of the certified notice to the homeowner of tonight's hearing, mailed Ju- ly 15, 2010; and the abatement process and intent of the proposed abatement to address concerns for general health, safety and welfare of the community. Mr. Munson noted that, prior to starting abatement work, a notice was posted on the front door with the anticipated start date for work and estimated cost; and he noted that this often prompted the homeowner to make contact or perform the work themselves to avoid abatement costs. Mr. Munson advised that if there was no response, the City would then hire contractors to commence work; however, if told by the homeowner to leave the site, staff would consult with the City Attor- ney for the next step. Mr. Munson advised that Rick Talbot had advised that the homeowner was elderly, that someone was cutting the grass, and that staff antic- ipated once the abatement notice was posted on the home, it would facilitate some contact. Klausing moved, Johnson seconded, directing staff to abate the above-referenced public nuisance violation at 1890 Hamline Avenue by hiring a general contractor to perform exterior maintenance work on the rear of the house and garage as de- tailed in RCA dated July 26, 2010, at an estimated cost of approximately $8,000.00; and further directing that the property owner be billed for all actual and administrative costs; and if those charges remain unpaid, staff is to recover costs as specified in City Code, Section 407.07B; with costs to be reported to the City Council following the abatement. Roll Call