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Campbell council directs county to proceed with hazardous-vegetation abatement, orders final inspection for contested property
Summary
After a public hearing, Campbell’s City Council adopted a resolution directing the Community Development Director to proceed with county-run abatement of hazardous vegetation; the council asked the county to reinspect one contested property (815 Maryland Drive) and remove it from the list if found in compliance.
The Campbell City Council on Feb. 17 adopted a resolution directing the Community Development Director to proceed with abatement of hazardous vegetation through Santa Clara County’s weed-abatement program, after hearing two residents contest county notices and the county manager’s explanation of inspection procedures.
During the public hearing, resident Lean Knight said she received a county notice to abate weeds despite previously being removed from the county list; she asked staff to review and remove her property. Ron Dean said he received repeated notices and threat letters that said county contractors could be sent and that owners could be billed, a process he found threatening given his health limitations.
County weed-abatement manager Garrickki told the council that Knight’s property (904 Hazel Avenue) was mistakenly left on the list and that the county had removed it and will issue refunds for inspection assessments. Regarding 815 Maryland Drive, the manager said an April 1 inspection found grasses and weeds at least one foot high and that the property failed that inspection; a reinspection on April 22 showed the property was brought into compliance at that time, and the county offered follow-up. He explained that fees are charged for inspections and related follow-up work.
A council member moved to adopt the resolution directing abatement and to request a final county inspection of 815 Maryland Drive; the motion included removing that property from the county list if the final inspection finds it in compliance. The motion was seconded and approved by roll call with Council members Lopez, Hines, By and Mayor Fado indicating approval.
City staff said they will coordinate with the county to follow up individually with the two residents who spoke. The county manager reiterated that the county will review and, where appropriate, issue refunds and remove properties previously mislisted.
Next steps: the Community Development Director will proceed with abatement activities per the adopted resolution and will request the county perform a final inspection of 815 Maryland Drive; the council asked staff to report back on any outstanding disputes and any refunded assessments.
