HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-09-15 Health and Public SafetyHEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY FEBRUARY 9, 2015 3:45 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Derek Dieter, Dr. Fred Ferlic (EAB), Karen White,
Valerie Schey (EAB)
Citizen Member Present: Bob Emery
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Dr. Davis Varner, Oliver Davis,
Gavin Ferlic
Others Present: Erin Blasko, Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Jack Smith, Scott Ford,
Kent Sperola, Randy Wilkerson
Agenda: Bill No. 59 -14 Vacant Building Restoration and Maintenance
and Organizational Meeting
Derek Dieter, Chair of the Health & Public Safety Committee opened the hearing with two items on the
agenda. The first was bill 59 -14 meant to amend the Code which addresses registration requirements
for vacant and abandoned buildings.
Though two committee members were absent, Dr. Fred Ferlic and Valerie Schey, the presence of Bob
Emery, citizen member, made for a quorum.
Derek Dieter opened, asking Council member Tim Scott to present bill 59 -14. Tim said the bill was
meant to voluntarily promote compliance, that is, registration of the ownership of vacant properties.
No registration fees would be levied for properties with voluntarily registered ownership. On the other
hand, properties without ownership registration would be assessed substantial fees. Often the City
invests disproportionate time and expense trying to track down ownership. Though the fees would be
raised, Tim said the bill was not to raise dollars; but in fact was revenue neutral. Tim said, at present,
there were 930 properties requiring registration.
Derek Dieter asked fellow Councilmembers for comments.
Both Karen White and Henry Davis along with Derek asked some clarification questions about the
number of units affected and more pointedly how the requirements would be enforced. Liens attached
to the properties along with more aggressive collection efforts from the legal department was the
answer.
There was no public comment offered. In that bill 59 -14 was a substitute bill motions to accept were
required. Karen White and Bob Emery made the appropriate motions ratified by all. Then Derek Dieter
motioned for a favorable recommendation. Karen seconded and all affirmed.
The organizational meeting of the Health & Public Safety Committee came next.
After a recap of 2014 activities, Derek solicited Council input for 2015.
Karen White thought the quality of life issues in neighborhoods ought to remain a priority issue
especially in terms of enforcement. Based on Karen's concerns, Derek said he would be calling for an
update on the City's efforts to address illegal dumping, graffiti, and lawn parking. Derek said he would
ask the City for a list of tickets issued along with collections for these type of offences.
Derek adjourned the meeting at 4:00 P.M.
Respectfully Su mitted,
e Te
Derter, Chairperson
Health & Public Safety