75B - PH UNCOLLECTED WEED ABATEMENT COSTS

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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: JULY 3, 2018 TITLE: PUBLIC HEARING — RECOVERY OF UNCOLLECTED COSTS FOR WEED ABATEMENT PUBLIC NUISANCES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 (STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 5,4E) iFY MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: F17'T:ZeI9 ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on 10 Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2ntl Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER Adopt a resolution affirming the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Weed Abatement Program Report and authorizing the transmittal of uncollected weed abatement charges and postings to the Office of Auditor -Controller, County of Orange, for collection. DISCUSSION The Public Works Agency operates a year-round program to maintain private properties free of weeds and rubbish. In accordance with Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 16-55, when unsightly or unsafe conditions are identified, City sanitation inspectors provide a courtesy notice to property owners with a 7 -day Notice to Clean Premises. If the property is not cleaned by the seventh day, a Notice of Abatement is posted and mailed indicating that the City will perform the abatement work through its own contractor after a 10 -day period. If the City performs the clean-up, property owners are notified of the charges and are provided an opportunity to submit payment to the City, averting a property assessment via the Orange County Auditor -Controller's Office. When a property is posted a second time within 12 months for the same violation, the City assesses a re - posting charge. Property owners have a minimum of 30 days and up to the time that the City submits the collection order to the County to make their payment(s). This year, there is $1,917.27 to date in outstanding charges for fourteen parcels cleaned by the City contractor and posted by City Staff (Exhibit 1). Filing a property assessment through the County is the most effective method of collecting the outstanding charges. The charges are placed on the corresponding property tax rolls and paid through regular property tax assessments to the County of Orange. If a property is in default, the charges are collected when the property changes ownership. The County deadline for inclusion is August 10, 2018. The total amount of outstanding charges is subject to change, due to payments received following the Council approval date but before the County deadline. The final charges will be submitted directly to the County for collection after affirmation by the Council. There is no County fee for this service. 7513-1