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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Hearing - BOCC (002)Open Record Public Hearing Ordinance repealing/replacing Ch. 1.32 of the Grant County Code titled "Enforcement and Penalties" March 19, 2019 3:15 p.m. In Attendance: Tom Taylor, Chair Richard Stevens, Member Barbara J. Vasquez, Clerk of the Board Kate Mathews, Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tom Jones, Sheriff Merle Jones, Chief Deputy Josh Sainsbury, Sheriff's Office Public: See sign in sheet 3:16 p.m. The Commissioners held an Open Record Public Hearing to adopt an ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 1.32 of the Grant County Code titled "Enforcement and Penalties". This chapter relates to the enforcement of county ordinances and codes, including but not limited to building, zoning, environmental health and safety, and quality of life. Kate Mathews, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, stated she is not too familiar with the Ordinance / Code changes as she is new to the project. She would like Deputy Sainsbury to assist. 3:19 p.m. Josh Sainsbury, Sergeant, Sheriff's Office stated that the main changes were referencing the change in code enforcement and changing it over to the Sheriff's Office. All fines are going to go through District Court and there will now be a response time of 15 days. All proceedings will go through the District Court Judges. They wanted consistency with the Sheriff's Office procedures. Commissioner Taylor gave the history of this position. Sheriff Tom Jones stated the new changes gives the code some "teeth" for enforcement. There is now a progressive fine system for those who do not comply and criminal citations can be issued. 3:25 p.m. Jeff Powell, stated he filed a complaint a year ago and wants to know how long will it take to complete the process. 3:26 p.m. Sheriff Jones clarified the citation process. There will be a 14 day letter to comply (15 day letter is the actual). The Utility Deputy has the discretion to see if there is progress and give the person extra time, as long as they are advancing or they can issue a citation if there is no compliance. Sheriff's Jones recommended that old complaints refile into the new Sheriff's system. 3:29 p.m. John VanKulen (sp) had an issue with anonymity. He checked the box to keep his name private in the complaint and his name was somehow released. Sheriff Jones said that a phone call to his office should help alleviate this. 3:31 p.m. Shane Ahmann asked about "The Base" in Moses Lake/Grant County. If the tenant is not responding, is the land owner liable? Sheriff Jones stated they try to contact the land owner first because they are ultimately responsible for the property. 3:33 p.m. Jennifer Powell, asked if there are any discretionary funds that would allow for the placement of dumpsters out to neighborhood's for cleanup? Like they do for spring cleanup? The Commissioners stated they could discuss this. A motion was made by Commissioner Stevens, seconded by Commissioner Taylor to close the public comment portion of the hearing. The motion passed with 2 Commissioners in attendance. Commissioner Stevens moved to adopt the ordinance as presented as presented. Commissioner Taylor seconded and the motion passed with 2 Commissioners in attendance. The hearing adjourned.