2008-07-14 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing and Workshop Meeting of the La Porte City Council

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REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Agenda Date Requested: Bude:et Requested By: Source of Funds: Department: Account Number: Report: X Resolution: Ordinance: Amount Budgeted: Exhibits: Existing Ordinance #2003-2623-A Exhibits: 1l/19/07Comparison Table on Mowing Fees Amount Requested: Budgeted Item: YES NO Exhibits: 12/26/07 Administrative Fee - Mowine:lOean-uo Outline Exhibits: Graduated Administrative Fee Scale SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION At their December 03, 2007 meeting, City Council held a workshop to discuss possible changes to weed height regulations and mowing fees. Ordinance #2oo3-2623-A (implementing the (6") height regulation and amended mowing fees) was passed by Council on January 14, 2008 meeting and a copy is included with this packet. In addition to changing the height regulation, the passage of the ordinance meant an individual is billed "the contractor cost plus a $200.00 administrative fee" whenever the city has to abate a public nuisance violation. At their June 9, 2008 workshop meeting and June 23, 2008 regular meeting, Council amended the 6" height regulation to 12" with the passage of Ordinance #2003-2623-B. That new height regulation became effective July 9, 2008. During the June 23rd meeting, staff was asked about possible alternatives to the $200.00 administrative fee with one option being a graduated scale that raised the administrative fee each time the city had to initiate abatement of a property. For Council consideration, staff has included the following: 1) Comparison Table on Mowing Fees (dated 11/19/07) that was included in the December 2007 packet. That proposal suggested a Contractor Charge + $100 Administrative Fee. 2) Administrative Fee - Mowing/Clean-up Outline (dated 12/26/07) that explains the existing $200 fee 3) Graduated Administrative Fee Scale that goes from $100 to $200 in (3) steps with a penalty for recurring offenses ~!t~ ~ Date