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I Becca discussed the types of nuisance calls she received as being tall grass, junk cars, unkept property, and <br /> hoarding houses. She noted her department also licensed all multi-family rental units. She commented the <br /> City's biggest complaint was on garbage containers and their placement on properties. She explained this was <br /> a concern for many cities. She discussed the educational articles she and Scott draft for the City's newsletter to <br /> keep the public informed on the code enforcement concerns. She commented on how staff took complaints <br /> stating most were received from residents through calls and others were through proactive measures taken by <br /> staff. She described the new software the code enforcement staff was using to track complaints. <br /> Mr. Gigrich reviewed the procedure he follows to investigate a complaint. He explained with each compliant <br /> he verified if a violation or nuisance was in place. He indicated letters were sent to those with a violation in <br /> order to provide property owners with a timeline to bring the property into compliance with City Code. He <br /> reported that one on one conversations assist him in deescalating many of the situations and assist in bringing <br /> properties into compliance. He commented on the number of hoarding cases that he addressed each year and <br /> encouraged the Council to consider adopting updated IPMC (international property maintenance codes). He <br /> stated this would assist him in addressing these cases without having to bring in the Building Official. <br /> Becca Nelson discussed several new modules that were being considered for the BS&A code enforcement <br /> software and described how these would assist staff in better addressing code enforcement issues while <br /> keeping the public involved. Further discussion ensued regarding if anonymous complaints could continue to <br /> be taken by the City. <br /> Mayor Johnson commented there may be cases that need to be referred to Ramsey County if the property was <br /> not brought into compliance with City Code after a certain amount of time. Mr. Gigrich understood this to be <br /> the case but noted the case would have to be vagrant and have merit in order to be heard in court. <br /> Mayor Johnson questioned if the City ever fined residents for not bringing their property into compliance. Mr. <br /> Gigrich explained City staff worked with property owners to bring them into compliance through abatement <br /> procedures and did not charge fines. He indicated it may benefit the Council to consider creating language <br /> within City Code that would allow staff to fine residents with repeat violations. Lotter stated it would be his <br /> recommendation to pursue the abatement strategies more versus trying to take repeat offenders to court. He <br /> commented further on the abatement process the City follows and described how the City recoups its costs. <br /> Councilmember Jacobsen stated he received complaints most regarding garbage containers and rental houses. <br /> Councilmember Allen indicated he believed it would be beneficial to inform the public what the City's <br /> requirements are for these two issues. <br /> Councilmember Burg supported the City keeping its code enforcement on a complaint driven basis and <br /> commended Becca and Scott for their efforts on behalf of the community. She supported staff making <br /> recommendations regarding the IPMC and having this language incorporated into City Code. <br /> Councilmember Dunsworth agreed. <br /> Mayor Johnson thanked the Council for their input and recommended staff review City Code in order to <br /> include IPMC language. She indicated the Council also supported prohibiting anonymous complaints. <br />