REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Action on a Resolution Confirming the 2021 Weed Abatement Program and Assessment
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara, as outlined in Title 8, Chapter 15 of the Santa Clara City Code (SCCC), has deemed the overgrowth of weeds on properties within the City a public nuisance and mandated that property owners abate the nuisance 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. To address these non-compliant properties, the City contracts with the County of Santa Clara to conduct abatement services and assess the appropriate costs through the County Assessor’s Office. The weed abatement services are conducted to limit impacts to the environment and utilize only mowing and/or manual methods using hand tools.
DISCUSSION
In accordance with SCCC 8.15.070, the Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioner has prepared a 2021 Weed Abatement Program Assessment Report (“Weed Assessment Report”) listing the parcels within the City of Santa Clara upon which the County conducted weed abatement services, and associated costs to be assessed against each such parcel. In accordance with SCCC 8.15.090, this Public Hearing provides the public with an opportunity to present objections to the County’s report and allows the Council to confirm the County’s report and assessment list. In accordance with SCCC 8.15.080, notice of this Public Hearing was published, and posted together with a copy of the County’s Weed Assessment Report.
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 manages the weed abatement program and all fees are collected through the County Assessor’s Office. There is no cost to the City other than staff time and expense to produce and adopt the resolution.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with 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
Adopt a Resolution confirming the 2021 Weed Abatement Program Assessment Report and Assessment.
Staff
Reviewed by: Ruben Torres, Fire Chief
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Confirming the 2021 Weed Abatement Program Assessment Report and Assessment
2. 2021 Weed Abatement Program Assessment Report
.