06-16-15 Health and Public Safety

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Derek Dieter asked if the current budget funded seasonal employment to which Code Enforcement Director Randy Wilkerson said yes in the amount of about $174,000. Derek also asked how much it cost the City to mow a lot. Randy said on average about $40.00. Derek asked why the $200.00 admin fee over and above actual costs. Karen asked Randy to walk through what was involved once a complaint was filed. Randy responded by describing a minimum 3 step process for Code. An inspection, a re- inspection and a re- inspection for abatement of the problem cited. Oliver Davis wondered why adequate money to address mowing was not already in 2015 budget. He said during last year's budget vetting, as in every year, department heads are asked if they have resources needed to do their job. Generally they say yes; so why now are they short? And why should the Council be asked to raise fees to cover those shortages? Dr. Ferlic felt the long standing problems in Code were now being addressed by Randy who was not here for the 2015 budget vetting. Dr. Ferlic also suggested that $40.00 per lot, maybe the City should explore subcontracting the work. Karen White agreed with Oliver. Every year the Council emphasizes quality of life issues, wanting those basic services to be reflected in the budget. She pledged to make basic services in neighborhoods a priority again this year. Tim Scott defined the $250.00 fee as a deterrent. Oliver felt with collections up the current fee schedule might be adequate. Moving to public comments, six people spoke. Jessie Davis said the City should get its own act together before it raised fines. Becky Kaiser spoke in support of the bill saying irresponsible property owners needed to be targeted. Linda Wolfson felt the fees were too high saying the focus should be on finding better more efficient approached to mowing long grass. Tony Trinka just wants the City to do a betterjob maintaining vacant lots. Leroy Cobb spoke against the bill claiming the increase fees would hurt the poor and elderly. Regina Williams- Preston also felt the new fee structure was too high. She also suggested working through the neighborhood organizations could result in effective innovative approaches to problems like these. The Councilmembers attending then spoke, in turn, offering final comments. Dr. Ferlic led off saying a joint effort among neighbors, schools, non - profit, the City and the Council was necessary to address the problem. Tim Scott expressed openness to alternative approaches; but still felt there needs to be the deterrent of higher fines.