2003-08-04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 Mr. Cox thanked Ms. Water and Ms. Rochelle Small - Toney, for their leadership. He said QCC is producing something that will be a legacy in Charlottesville. ORDINANCE : GRASS CUTTING IN PUBLIC RIGHT - OF - WAY BY PROPERTY OWNERS Mr. O'Connell said that as staff reviewed the budget, they noted that a tremendous amount of money goes into grass and weed cutting. He said staff looked at other lo calities that require citizens to be responsible for cutting grass and weeds in the right - of - way adjacent to their properties. He said the City would realize a $40,000 savings if we adopt this ordinance. If approved, Mr. O'Connell recommended that the ord inance go into effect next March so that property owners can be notified. Mr. Plocek provided slides showing examples of property that is cut by the City. He said that the cutting is done as overtime in the evenings and on Saturdays. He said the City used ordinances from other localities where it has been held up in court. Mr. O'Connell said the issue has been basically complaint driven. He said staff wanted to look at the total picture and try to take a different approach. He noted that the vast ma jority of citizens already maintain the right - of - way adjacent to their properties. Mr. Lynch said that in general it makes sense, especially if the right - of - way enhances their property, but he does not want to create a hardship for individuals. He said we may want to give more time for public input before we pass it. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Mr. Plocek said it would be possible to provide a list of the properties in question. Mr. Schilling said he has some concerns about the propo sal, and feels that putting a lien on the property is too harsh and he would not support confiscation of property. He said he does not think the ordinance is ready and needs to be refined. He said the idea bears further study. He said he thinks it could be unfair and onerous on property owners. Ms. Richards said that if it would create a hardship then she would recommend using a private lawn service to do just a few properties. Mr. Plocek said staff tried contracting out the service, but it cost twice as much. Ms. Richard said that in many ways the right - of - way enhances private property. She said that some slopes do not have that potential. Mr. Caravati said that if we have a specific list of properties then we can determine if it is onerous. Mr. Caravati noted that putting a lien on properties is a common practice around the country. Mr. Cox noted that it will benefit tax payers by saving almost $40,000,and he said he thinks it is worth a try. He agreed that we should not have a lien on the pr operty. Mr. Craig Brown, City Attorney, said that a lien on the property provides a mechanism for the City to receive money when the property changes hands. He said no property has ever been taken by the City. Mr. Cox said he withdraws his concern abo ut the property lien and feels it is being judiciously addressed. Mr. Lynch said that if the ordinance is passed, it may be possible on a case by case basis to review and decide where a hardship exists. Mr. Lynch said he would want to have pretty clear criteria and feels it would be helpful to have guidelines. Ms. Richards said she thinks the City needs to be relieved of this responsibility if it does not present a hardship.