Appointed Committees

NUISANCE WEED AD HOC COMMITTEE December 2, 2016 Page 1 Committee Members Present: Stephan Podrygula, Shaun Sipma, Miranda Schuler, Sandy Horob Members Absent Lauren Tiffany Others Present: City Attorney, City Clerk, Assistant City Attorney, Lacey McCarten, Public Works Director, Assistant Public Works Director, City Engineer, City Planner, Treasurer, Ward County Weed Board, Alderman Straight, Jill Schramm Alderman Podrygula brought the meeting to order at 12:01 pm. Welcome Alderman Podrygula welcomed everyone. Introduction of Committee Members Each of the members of the committee introduced themselves and shared their experience and how they were affected by the topic. Background Alderman Podrygula explained by saying, over the summer complaints were received from the public about weeds and health issues relating to nuisance weeds. It was brought to Public Works and Safety committee for discussion and their solutions was to request that the Mayor appoint a committee to discuss a systematic organized mechanism to deal with the issue of weeds and debris on undeveloped property. That motion was approved unanimously at City Council. Alderman Podrygula showed a slideshow of pictures demonstrating some of the issues that occurred on North Hill. Alderman Schuler also pointed out that it’s not just North Hill but the entire community that is affected. Initial perspectives of Committee Members The committee members gave their perspectives of the problem and what they would like to accomplish as a committee. Alderman Sipma stated, his goal is to manage weeds along the water ways and to figure out funding to clean up not just the small properties but larger areas consisting of several acres. Alderman Schuler said, her concern is with wind spreading seeds from even the smallest lots. She maintains empty lots in her neighborhood to prevent the spread of seeds. She also mentioned the fact that the city has to front the cost when maintaining lots without the guarantee the owners will pay the money back. 1|Page NUISANCE WEED AD HOC COMMITTEE December 2, 2016 Page 2 Alderman Podrygula would like to look at other cities who might have a more progressive handle on weed problems and find a way to encourage home owners who don’t want to take part in helping their area. Introduction and Initial Perspectives of Staff a. Public Works – Weed Control Public Works Director, Mr. Jonasson, gave a presentation on how the City currently handles weed nuisances. The current policy and procedure is to put an ad in the Minot Daily News for the months of May to September. When Public Works receives a compliant on weeds or tall grass in excess of 8” a foreman will be sent to verify the property is in fact in excess of 8”. A letter is sent to the property owner, notifying them to abate the issue. After five days from sending out the letter, the foreman will verify if the lot has been mowed or abated. If not abated, the property will be placed on the mowing list. After the City has mowed the lot, the property owner is then assessed a fee for mowing per the fee schedule. Mr. Jonasson showed there has been an increase in complaints each year and the number of properties Public Works must mow. The total of assessments between 2014 and 2016 has come to $41,764. When the Public Works Department has to abate a property, several issues arise. For example, many lots are not called in until weeds are 2-4’ tall so regular mowers cannot be used, and properties may contain hidden debris which must be removed or marked prior to mowing. Alderman Podrygula questioned whether two ads are necessary every month, suggested the fees be updated, and wants to look at the benefits of bidding out the work or looking into buying more equipment. He would like to also look at State Agriculture programs. The committee then discussed if the City should look at having its own weed board separate from the Ward County Weed Board with a full time weed controller. Alderman Schuler would like to know how Public Works budgets for the next season for handling the nuisance weeds/grass and this growing problem and asked Mr. Jonasson to provide data next meeting along with the cost to add full time employees. Alderman Shuler would also like to know how many of the letters sent were addressed by PW because of no response or if the letters were returned. Upon questioning by the committee on bidding the work to contractors, it was explained by Mr. Jonasson that in the past no bids were received. Most companies decline the work to avoid damaging equipment. They also to have to clean their equipment extremely well to avoid spreading seeds. Ms. Horob suggested looking at a different recourse to homeowners who don’t respond to the letter or take care of their property. The city attorney explained, the homeowner could be charged with a class B misdemeanor at Municipal Court on top of the assessment, but is unsure how often that occurs. It was also suggested that the City be proactive in handling the weeds earlier in the spring. at how to handle the weeds starting in the spring. Adjournment 2|Page NUISANCE WEED AD HOC COMMITTEE December 2, 2016 Page 3 Before Adjourning the County Weed Control Board handed out informational items for the committee to read. The next meeting will be Tuesday December 13th, 2016 at 12:00 pm. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:06 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Lacey McCarten Administrative Clerk 3|Page