AGENDA ITEM
CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Report: Public Hearing for the 2024 Annual Weed Abatement Program Motion to approve Abatement order directing the Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights and Measures to abate the nuisance on each declared parcel.
COUNCIL ACTION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This annual public hearing follows the approval on March 26, 2024, by the City Council of the resolution declaring noxious weeds on unimproved properties can constitute a public nuisance. Property owners having any objections to the proposed abatement of the declared public nuisance may appear before the Council at this time to show cause why said public nuisance should not be removed. The Fire Department Vegetation Management Program includes 9,667 parcels within the very high fire hazard area that receive an annual inspection. Of those, 622 are unimproved, vacant properties. The City has an agreement with Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner for weed abatement services on those unimproved properties.
Item Type: Public Hearing
Approved forApril 30, 2024 calendar
2 RECOMMENDATION
That following the public hearing, and after consideration of public input, City Council approve the abatement order directing the Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights and Measures to abate the nuisance on each declared parcel.
ANALYSIS
Property owners may attend the hearing in order to express their concerns about being placed on the declaration list. Fire department staff have been able to meet with many property owners personally and resolve most of their concerns without the need to speak at the hearing (most involve change of property ownership or the cost of clearing from the previous year). Also, a tear-off portion of the notice can be returned to the County if the property owner has any remarks to make or intends to complete the abatement themselves. Responses can also be submitted using the County’s website at https://acwm.lacounty.gov/weed-abatement-response/. The LA County ACWM Hazard Abatement Program telephone number is included on the notices to encourage property owners to call with their concerns. The hearing provides the public an opportunity to address the City Council if necessary. Since property tax bills are mailed in November of each year, some property owners may use this hearing as an opportunity to express their concerns about the billing process or the charges incurred for work performed in prior years. There is a separate hearing specifically for this purpose scheduled in July of each year, whereby the City passes a resolution confirming the Weed Abatement Charge List generated by the County during the fiscal year ending June 30. Concerns about this portion of the program should be addressed at the July hearing. Properties on the list are unimproved vacant lots within the City of Glendale. Each property placed on the list will incur an annual inspection fee (approximately $45.00).
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
The stakeholders include the owners of the 622 properties identified in the attached declaration list. A notice has been mailed to the property owners informing them of the program.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
NA
3 CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Private hazard abatement vendors may be contracted with by the City of Glendale to provide the aforementioned services. This alternative would require the City to assume the lead role in key program tasks including notification, inspection and cost recovery, thereby increasing the direct cost for the City. Alternative 2: The City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Greg Fish, Fire Chief
Prepared by:
Jovan Diaz, Fire Marshal
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1: 2024 Glendale Declaration List