Council adopts assessments for nuisance abatement and unpaid utilities, exempts some properties after appeals
Loading...
Summary
After hearing property-owner testimony and reviewing staff memos, the council adopted resolutions certifying proposed assessments for weed, snow, rubbish, tree removal and unpaid utility charges and approved exemptions for several parcels raised during the public hearing.
City staff presented three related public hearings on proposed assessments to abate nuisances (weed/snow/rubbish/tree removal), administrative citations and unpaid utility charges for Rochester Public Utilities (RPU). Staff explained the procedural rights available to property owners, including a 10‑day appeal window and the right to preserve objections to district court.
Several residents testified in person. Javad Trenchic (who said he is commonly called Vas) disputed a $837 contractor charge after trimming shrubs obstructing the sidewalk; he said he had photographs showing he met clearance requirements and sought itemized contractor bids. Joe Jenkins appealed an approximately $262 assessment to remove chairs from a boulevard and asked for clearer notice practices. Justin Rudquist raised a double-billing concern after a city-ordered tree removal.
Council members discussed fairness of notice timing (mail delays), departmental discretion to resolve borderline cases, and options to remove specific parcels from the tax roll. Councilmember Keene moved and later amended the motion to remove several properties from the roll after staff follow-up and memos; the council adopted the assessments and voted to levy administrative fines and unpaid utility assessments, with specific parcels exempted by amendment.
