REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Adoption of a Resolution Declaring Weeds a Public Nuisance and Setting February 25, 2020 for Public Hearing [Council Pillar: Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency]
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara has deemed the overgrowth of weeds on properties within the City a public nuisance. The City mandates that property owners conduct weed abatement activities through their own means in a timely manner. However, there are some property owners that, even with proper notification, do not comply with the weed abatement orders. As outlined in the City’s Municipal Code Chapter 8.15, the City authorizes the Fire Department to abate weeds on any non-compliant property.
DISCUSSION
The Fire Department requests to commence the 2019-2020 Weed Abatement Program for the forthcoming season. It is requested that the City Council, in accordance with Section 8.15 of the City Code, adopt the attached Resolution declaring weeds to be a public nuisance. Additionally, the Fire Department requests that Council authorize the posting of a Notice of Public Hearing scheduled for February 25, 2020, to hear public input regarding the proposed destruction and/or removal of weeds from non-compliant properties. The City contracts with Santa Clara County to perform all weed abatement services within the City.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Santa Clara County has determined the Weed Abatement Program to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Guideline 15308.
FISCAL IMPACT
The County’s costs of abatement are assessed to the parcel owner and are managed by the County. Costs include inspection, correspondence, abatement services, and cost recovery collection. There is generally no cost to the City other than staff time and expense. However, in the event there is a programmatic shortfall at the County, the City will be charged for the shortfall based on our pro-rata share of expenses; any such shortfall is estimated to be less than $2,500. Such costs are significantly less than a full abatement program implemented by City staff and would be absorbed by the existing adopted budget.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated by the Finance Department and City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Adopt a Resolution ordering the abatement of nuisance consisting of growing weeds in the City; and
2. Set February 25, 2020 as the date for the required Public Hearing.
Staff
Reviewed by: Ruben Torres, Fire Chief
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. Public Notice - Notice to Destroy Weeds