City Council Agenda Report
TO: Mayor Clauzel and Members of the City Council
FROM: Fernando Ulloa, City Manager
BY: Jeffrey Frye, Interim Fire Chief
MEETING DATE: June 17, 2025
ITEM NO: 7.1
SUBJECT: Authorize Staff to abate Public Nuisance, by removing Weeds, Dirt, Rubbish, and/or Rank Growth pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance No. 243 and Ordinance No. 704, as defined in Chapter 6.16 of the Patterson Municipal Code-Property Maintenance; Authorize Staff to begin bid process utilizing licensed contractors. (Resolution No. 2025-37 Clean-Up Process)
RECOMMENDATION
Motion to Authorize Staff to abate Public Nuisance, by removing Weeds, Dirt, Rubbish, and/or Rank Growth as pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance No. 243 and Ordinance No.704, as defined in Chapter 6.16 of the Patterson Municipal Code. Authorize Staff to begin the bid process utilizing licensed contractors. (Resolution No. 2025-37 Clean-Up Process)
BACKGROUND
The abatement of Weeds, Dirt, Rubbish and/or Rank Growth is a process the City of Patterson Fire Department conducts annually, per Ordinance, in an effort to reduce the aforementioned which may endanger or injure, or be detrimental to, or which cause substantial diminution in the value of neighboring property or endanger or injure the welfare of the residents in the vicinity of such property, or which may become a fire hazard.
This process is conducted year-round, with greater emphasis placed on abating such nuisances between May and October, where hotter, dryer conditions create a greater fire danger and potential for ignition of said nuisances.
ANALYSIS
Based on weed abatement surveys and or inspections, formal notices have been issued for the identified properties and or parcels within City limits (see Exhibit “A”) in accordance with the City of Patterson Municipal Code, Chapter 6.16.050, which states:
6.16.050 Service of notice.
Such notices shall be given in the manner set forth in this section:
The director, or such other official as may be designated by the city council, shall cause a notice or notices to be mailed by United States mail, to the owner of the subject property as shown upon any city record, or upon the last equalized assessment roll or at his last known address, whichever he shall determine to be the best means of serving notice upon the actual owner. Additionally, if the subject property address and the subject property owner’s address are different, the director or other designated official shall cause a notice or notices to be mailed by United States mail to the property address. The failure of the owner to receive such notice shall not affect the power of the city or of its officers or employees to proceed as provided in this chapter.
Such notice shall be mailed not less than ten days prior to the date set for a hearing upon objections as provided in Section 6.16.060 of this chapter. (Ord. 704 § 1 (part), 2008:
Ord. 243 § 5, 1974).
A revised and updated list will be provided at the City Council Meeting.
Staff is requesting approval from the City Council for the abatement of weeds and or rank growth to reduce and or eliminate potential fire hazards. Once approved, Staff will obtain bids from licensed contractors for the removal and proceed with award of the contract to the lowest responsible bidder and bill costs occurred to the property owners in accordance with Patterson Municipal Code, Chapter 6.16.190.
FISCAL IMPACT
The recommended action would not directly result in an impact to the City’s funds, with the exception of staff time spent on surveying the properties. All costs incurred will be recouped by the City as per the Patterson Municipal Code, Chapter 6.16.190:
6.16.190 Assessment of costs against property-Lien.
The cost of abatement upon, or in front or rear, of each lot or parcel of land shall constitute a special assessment against that lot or parcel. After such assessment has been made and confirmed, it shall constitute a lien upon such lot or parcel for the amount of such assessment, until paid. (Ord. 704 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 243 § 16, 1974. Formerly
6.16.180).