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over the sidewalk. This property was subject to abatement by the City at that time without <br /> further notification. A work order was sent to the City's contract mower and the lot was cut on <br /> 8/21/95. It is unfortunate that you were not able to make arrangements to have the property <br /> mowed soon enough to avoid abatement by the City. <br /> Once an abatement is completed by the City, municipal code requires that all costs associated <br /> with abatement are recovered from the responsible property owner. The "abatement charge" of <br /> $116.50 listed on the invoice is based on a study of the actual costs of all administrative steps <br /> required to complete an abatement. Abatement of the violation includes all steps and actions <br /> necessary to cause compliance with the code. These steps include: inspection of the site; <br /> research of property ownership; generation of a work order for the City's contract mower; <br /> completion of the abatement by the contractor; re- inspection of the site to ensure proper <br /> completion; and processing an invoice for the abatement. The City would prefer not to have to <br /> take all of these steps to abate a nuisance but rather to have the property owner act on their <br /> own to prevent the nuisance. When the City does have to abate a nuisance, municipal code <br /> requires that all costs of abatement must be charged to the responsible party. <br /> Your efforts to maintain the vegetation on your property are appreciated, and the chain of <br /> events which led to a lack of compliance with the code and subsequent abatement by the City <br /> are unfortunate. The process established is meant to be an effort to inform property owners of <br /> their vegetation control responsibility and achieve compliance with the municipal code. <br /> However, abatement occurred after appropriate steps by the City to inform property owners of <br /> their responsibility for vegetation maintenance. <br /> Municipal code, (4.832), states that the abutting property owner is responsible for the vegetation <br /> control on undeveloped street right of ways. It is unfortunate that you feel that you are taking <br /> care of more than your share but the Code clearly identifies you as the responsible party for the <br /> control of the vegetation on this right of way. <br /> For the reasons stated above, your protest of the billing for abatement is denied. The invoice <br /> for abatement in the amount of $176.50 is due and payable within ten days of this <br /> determination. <br /> I understand that you may find this denial of your protest disappointing. I hope that you <br /> understand that the City must establish and follow codes and policies which provide for the <br /> safety and protection of the community and the equal treatment of property owners. If you have <br /> questions, or would like to discuss the matter further, please feel free to call me at 687 -5220. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Scott Plamondon <br /> Urban Forester <br /> cc: Johnny Medlin, Maintenance Support Supervisor <br /> Kevin Foerstler, Vegetation Manager <br /> Terry Grondona, Customer Receivables, Collections Supervisor <br />