Committee approves enforcement actions for three properties and asks staff to draft administrative abatement code change

The Brainerd Safety and Public Works Committee approved staff recommendations for enforcement on three properties and asked staff to prepare a proposed code change to allow administrative abatement for repeat junk and debris offenders.

Development Director Granovic presented three cases: 907 1st Street, where staff recommended abatement after repeated junk and debris violations; 1419 Mary Street, where staff recommended a 10‑day warning letter followed by towing of an unlicensed and likely inoperable vehicle; and 3 24th Street North, an after‑the‑fact fence permit case for which staff recommended a $300 citation every 10 days until the permit issue is resolved.

A committee member moved to approve staff recommendations for the three properties; the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The same council member then moved that staff draft a code change to allow staff to administratively abate junk and debris for repeat offenders (a power the city already exercises for grass, feces and trash). That motion was seconded and carried.

Granovic said the amendment would be "fairly easy" and involve adding a single line to existing code; committee members discussed whether to bring the draft code change first to this committee for review or send it straight to the city council as a first reading. One member said they preferred an expedited approach and to bring it quickly to council for action given neighbors’ concerns about ongoing nuisance properties.

The committee approved both the immediate enforcement recommendations and the direction to staff to draft the proposed code amendment. Staff will return the draft for council consideration.