7/16/2024 Item #5
City Council Hearing
Item #5
Public Hearing: Adoption
of a Resolution Confirming
the Weed Abatement
CITY OF RN. Report and Ordering the
Cost of Abatement to be a
1852 Special Assessment on
THE MISSION CIN the Respective Properties
Described Therein
July 16, 2024
1 City of
Santa Clara
The Center of What's Possible
Weed Abatement Program
Contract Agency
• The City has contracted with Santa Clara County for Weed Abatement services since 1976.
- The County of Santa Clara's Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency, is currently in charge of the Weed Abatement Program.
• The City benefits greatly from Economies of Scale.
- Participating agencies include Campbell, Milpitas, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Cupertino, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, undeveloped parcel in San Jose, and unincorporated County areas.
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POST MEETING MATERIAL
1 City of
Santa Clara
The Center of What's Possible
Weed Abatement Program
Community Benefits
• Weed Abatement programs create safer, more attractive, and healthier communities:
- Enhanced Property Aesthetics: Well-maintained properties are more attractive to residents and businesses, foster investment, and prevent blight. - Pest Prevention: Weeds can provide a habitat for pests such as rodents and insects, which can lead to infestations in nearby homes and businesses. - Enhanced Accessibility and Safety: Overgrown weeds can obstruct pathways and walkways, posing a risk to pedestrians and vehicles. - Fire Hazard Reduction: Mitigated properties significantly reduce fire hazard potential.
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City of
Santa Clara
The Center of What's Possible
Weed Abatement Program
Assessment Report
• This evening, the City Council will address the final steps in the annual Weed Abatement program:
- Public Hearing: Adoption of a Resolution Confirming the Weed Abatement Report and Ordering the Cost of Abatement to be a Special Assessment on the Respective Properties Described in the Assessment Report. • Step 1, Declaring Weeds a Nuisance - Completed January 30, 2024 • Step 2, Ordering the Abatement of Hazards - Completed February 20, 2024 4 4
2 City of
Santa Clara
The Center of What's Possible
Weed Abatement Program
Staff Action Items
• At the February 20, 2024 Public Hearing, the City Council directed statf to undertake the following actions:
- Survey the cities that do not participate in the County Weed Abatement Program and evaluate options for programmatic improvements for next year. - Conduct a thorough review of property owner appeals, ensuring all contested cases are carefully examined.
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City of
Santa Clara
The Center of What's Possible
Weed Abatement Program
Survey and Programmatic Analysis Update
• Staff Outreach
- Utilized questionnaires and conducted interviews with non-participating city personnel
• Data Analysis
- Recommendations regarding programmatic options are being developed - Presentation to the City Council will be scheduled for later this year 6 City of
Santa Clara
The Contero hat Possibie
Weed Abatement Program
Appeals
• Certified letters were sent to the fifteen (15) contesting property owners requesting the following information:
- Documentation of inclusion in the County program;
- Justification for non-compliance; and
- Current photographs demonstrating compliance with County standards. • Six properties were removed from the 2024 Commencement Report. • All property owners were notified by certified mail of the status of their appeal. 7
7 City of
Santa Clara
The Center of What's Possible
Weed Abatement Program
2024 Assessment Report Data
• 205 parcels or lots of land at a cost to Property Owners of $57,398.06 - 160 parcels/lots received Inspection Only fee totaling $15,360.00 - 41 parcels/lots failed a subsequent inspection and received additional penalties totaling $26,322.00
- 4 parcels/lots were abated totaling $15,716.06
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4 City of
Santa Clara
The Center of What's Possible
Weed Abatement Program
Conclusion
• 205 Parcels or Lots of Land on the 2024 Assessment Report • Staff recommends adoption of a Resolution Confirming the Weed Abatement Report and Ordering the Cost of Abatement to be a Special Assessment on the Respective Properties
• County Weed Abatement Program and Fire Department staff are available for questions
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