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Council discusses civil‑citation plan for code compliance; staff seeks consensus on warnings and waivers
Summary
City staff proposed replacing the criminal‑ticket process with a civil‑citation program ($25 fine, educational red‑tag period, online photo proof to waive fines if corrected), stressing the goal is compliance not revenue; council asked for safeguards for vulnerable residents and an online evidence process before roll‑out.
Assistant City Manager Andy Hessler and Code Compliance Director Brian Morris returned to council to clarify a proposed civil‑citation program aimed at improving neighborhood compliance and speeding enforcement. Hessler explained the program would begin with a 2–3 month education/red‑tag period and move into civil citations, typically $25, with an option to contest and present evidence to a hearing officer. "Once the education is done, ... when you are seen being in violation of the ordinance, you will receive your 1st citation, rather than a warning," Hessler said. Staff emphasized the program’s objective is compliance rather than revenue.
Council members pressed staff on protections for residents who cannot afford or physically perform repairs. Several members asked for an online/photo submission system and for a process allowing fines to be waived if citizens correct violations within the first year; staff said they planned to build a system that allows photo evidence submission to the hearing officer and will consider waivers in year one. Council asked staff to return with a more detailed rollout plan and suggested a phased or 90‑day red‑tag window to maximize public notice and CodeCares support for residents who need assistance.
