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City Council Minutes Page 7 September 20, 2021 9.1 Code Enforcement: 13690 186" Avenue NW Attorney Baumgartner reviewed the history and informed the Council the next step is to consider abatement. Mr. Baumgartner explained the city has the option to pursue abatement under city code or under statutory authority. Mr. Baumgartner indicated his preference is to utilize the statutory authority because of the large amount of personal property involved. He explained he prefers to get the court's blessing prior to the city abating. He indicated once the Order for Abatement has been signed by the judge, the next step is to go back in front of the court and ask for approval for the city's costs to be assessed. He noted he has done it both ways but has had better luck under statutory authority. Attorney Baumgartner explained he has been discussing the options with Mr. John and informed him that the Council will be deciding this evening. Mr. Baumgartner indicated the Council could enter a Consent Decree that would allow the property owner to agree to clean up by a certain date and if it's not taken care of the city can go in and clean it up and assess the costs. He stated another option is to enter into an Assessment Agreement that would allow the city to go in and clean up the property and assess the property owner for the costs. Mr. Baumgartner discussed these options with Mr. John and Mr. John hasn't come to a decision and he would like Mr. John to be part of the decision as he prefers a voluntary solution rather than a court decision. Attorney Baumgartner indicated Mr. John shared with him that he may be interested in selling the property. It was noted a voluntary abatement may be an option to make the property more marketable and the new buyer could pay off special assessments. Mr. Baumgartner stated he would like Council direction on how to move forward. Joseph John, 13690 186' Ave NW, explained he has had some health issues but that he has started to clean up the property. He requested time to pull together a team to help him clean the property up himself. Mayor Dietz questioned if October 31 is an acceptable deadline to have the property cleaned up. Councilmember Westgaard indicated he is not sure what an ample deadline is, but it will become increasingly more difficult as winter comes. He would be in favor of allowing Mr. John until October 31. Mayor Dietz requested staff inspect Mr. John's property on October 31 and if the property has not been substantially cleaned up to let Attorney Baumgartner know so he can file a statutory abatement for the city to clean up the property. Mr. Baumgartner expressed concerns with Mr. John being able to clean the property up within 30 days. He stated if Mr. John is serious about working with the city to clean up his property, he could enter a Consent Decree allowing Mr. John until FB■111® 11 NATURE