City Council - 02/15/2011 - Workshop APPROVED MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP& OPEN PODIUM
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2011 CITY CENTER
5:00—6:25 PM, HERITAGE ROOM II
6:30—7:00 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Council Members Brad Aho, Sherry Butcher
Wickstrom, Ron Case, and Kathy Nelson
CITY STAFF: Interim City Manager Jay Lotthammer, Police Chief Rob Reynolds, Fire Chief
George Esbensen, Public Works Director Eugene Dietz, Community Development Director Janet
Jeremiah, Communications Manager Joyce Lorenz, City Attorney Ric Rosow, and Recorder Lorene
McWaters
I. FUND BALANCE UPDATE
Finance Manager Sue Kotchevar reviewed balances in the City's various funds and
answered the Council Members' questions about the fund balances.
II. PARK BOUNDARY INSPECTION UPDATE
Parks and Natural Resources Manager Stu Fox gave a PowerPoint update on the park
boundary inspection program. In 2005, the City Council approved hiring seasonal staff to
inspect all park boundaries. In 2006, the City sent a boundary initiative letter to 2,100
residents who live adjacent to park property. Fox said the inspection process includes
written communication with property owners detailing the City's activities. If a boundary
violation is identified, a letter is sent to the property owner with a date by which corrective
action must be taken. If corrective action is not taken, the issue is forwarded to the Police
Department. At this time, another letter is sent to the property owner informing them of the
corrective actions they must make. If the violation remains unresolved, the issue is referred
to the City Attorney for formal legal action.
Fox said that to date 13 parkland areas, totaling 795 acres,have been inspected.
Approximately 859 private/public interfaces have been inspected. Fifteen percent of those
inspections (about 125)resulted in trespass letters. After notification, 104 residents
completed the corrective action requested by the City. Twenty-one cases have been
forwarded to the Police for further action. One case has been forwarded to the City
Attorney.
Fox said City staff received an inquiry from a Council Member about the possibility of
developing a process for residents to seek variances or to apply for a permit to continue
using City/park property they have been found to be encroaching on. The issue was
discussed at length by the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission (PRNRC).
The PRNRC unanimously passed a motion, "To continue the process of park boundary
inspections and enforce the property line as the no encroachment/trespass line out of concern
City Council Workshop Minutes
February 15,2011
Page 2
for but not limited to consistency, cost effectiveness,precedent, time intensity and concerns
for lack of objectivity."
Council Member Nelson said she has gotten two types of calls regarding the boundary
inspection program. One complaint is that the boundary markers are ugly and, therefore,
devalue the property. Nelson said she would like to have a process by which property
owners can request the signs be removed. Nelson also asked if property owners are forced
to stop mowing City land, who will be responsible for maintaining these areas? Parks and
Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer said these areas will be allowed to go back to their
natural state.
Council Chamber
III. OPEN PODIUM
IV. ADJOURNMENT