Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutVI- M Annual Weed Abatement ResolutionAGENDA ITEM TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: DAVID E. RUDISEL, COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT MANAGER VIA: RICK COLE, CITY MANAGER DATE: JANUARY 21, 2003 SUBJECT: ANNUAL WEED ABATEMENT RESOLUTION (IMPROVED PARCELS) Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution declaring hazardous brush, dry grass, weeds, combustible growth or flammable vegetation, to include ornamental vegetation, in the City of Azusa a seasonal and recurring nuisance, and setting the date and time of February 3, 2003, at 7:30 p.m., as the date and time to conduct a protest hearing for affected property owners before the City Council. Background: The City of Azusa has contracted with the Los Angeles County Fire Department since 1982. In an amended and restated agreement entered into in 1997, the City of Azusa was formally recognized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as being part of the Consolidated Fire Protection District. Since Azusa is now recognized as part of the District, the Los Angeles County Department of Agriculture is now authorized to perform all weed abatement activities on Aunimproved@ parcels and due process is provided through the Board of Supervisors. However, due to terms of Azusa=s contract with the Consolidated Fire Protection District which prohibits the County from charging fees and penalties which are inconsistent with the city contract, a separate hearing is still required for Aimproved@ parcels within the City of Azusa. As such, the attached Resolution sets a date and time for a protest hearing for affected property owners to challenge their inclusion on the proposed Declaration List of parcels which were determined by the Fire Department to contain hazardous and obnoxious weed growth. The original draft Resolution provided by the Fire Department contained language referring to inspection fees and non-compliance fines. Staff has discussed this with the Fire Department and they have agreed to adhere to provisions set forth in the AAmended and Restated Agreement For Services@ between the City of Azusa and the Consolidated Fire Protection District dated September 30, 1997. Should any fees or fines be collected from Azusa property owners, the County would have to credit the total amount generated from the following year=s contracted cost for fire protection services. The attached Resolution declares certain improved properties within the City to be a public nuisance due to the presence of noxious weeds and debris as determined by the Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspectors. This is simply the first step in the weed abatement process for improved parcels, which notifies property owners that weeds and debris must be abated. Once notified, the affected property owners can either clean and maintain their properties themselves, or have the County perform the service for a fee. AGENDA ITEM ___________________________________________________________________ _______________________ Department of Community Development P.O. Box 1395, Azusa, Ca. 91702 - (626) 812-5236 - Fax (626) 334-5464 2 The Resolution further sets the date of February 3, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. as the date and time for the hearing of any protests from the affected property owners. Fiscal Impact: No costs to the City of Azusa are projected, and may generate a very small amount of revenue in the form of an off-set to next year=s fire contract costs.