04-07-16 Health and Public Safety

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HEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY APRIL 7, 2016 5:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: John Voorde, Karen White, Oliver Davis, Jo Broden Other Council Present: Regina Williams- Preston Others Present: Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, Jennifer Coffinan, Alkeyna Aldridge Agenda: Bill No. 05 -16 Approving fees for nuisance abatement Bill No. 06 -16 Approving fees for securing and demolishing structures Councilmember John Voorde, Chair of the Health & Public Safety Committee, called the meeting to order at 5:08 p.m. with two bills for consideration. Chairperson Voorde explained that the committee was meeting to consider Bills No. 05 -16 and 06 -16, but received an email saying that both bills would be withdrawn, but they are not officially withdrawn so far. There is some question of whether or not the council needs to be involved at all, and Chairperson Voorde is of the opinion that the Council does need to be involved because it is the Council that can impose a fee or a penalty. Those fees and penalties would then be codified and made public record. Prior to it coming to the Committee, the Board of Public Works got involved, and Randy Wilkerson told the Board that they haven't raised fees since 2008, here's a new schedule that ought to be done. The Board of Public Works then works as a recommending body to the Council. In this case, they agreed with the department head and sent both bills to the Council with a favorable recommendation. Several councilmembers have asked the question how did the City justify this rate schedule or these increases. There is no record in the minutes of the Board of Public Works meeting that any justification was given. The minutes say that Randy Wilkerson made the proposal, and Gary Gilot, who is on the Board of Public Works said that the fees sounded reasonable and then they sent a favorable recommendation. Committee Member Karen White asked if the Board of Public Works takes action on the fee recommendation. Council Attorney Cekanski - Farrand stated that the action was taken last November. Committee Member Jo Broden explained the minutes from the November agenda review session from the Board of Public Works. She read a section of the minutes, then explained that Gary Gilot stated that the Board of Public Works recommends fees to the Council, and the State Board of Accounts requires the Council to approve all fee setting. In the November 24`h meeting minutes, they referenced resolutions that were given favorable recommendations.