pages: CityCouncil/2013-06-18.pdf, 12
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CityCouncil | 2013-06-18 | 12 | citations. Councilmember Tam inquired whether permits cannot be pulled unless a $27,000 lien is placed on the property if the owners cannot pay. The Chief Building Official stated permits can be pulled after a lien is placed on the property; property owners have requested the lien be placed on the property in order to start the permit process. Mayor Gilmore inquired whether a property owner could pull permits if a payment plan is set up, to which the Chief Building Official responded in the affirmative; stated citations are issued when the City cannot gain compliance. In response to Mayor Gilmore's inquiry regarding the Pacific Avenue case, the Chief Building Official stated the City would have issued permits to address the significant life safety issues immediately; additional work would have had to wait until the fines were paid. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Council direction last year was to work out a payment plan. In response to Councilmember Tam's inquiry, the City Attorney stated a lien was not placed last year; the property owner did not work with staff, so citations were issued to try to gain compliance; direction could be given to not assess the lien again this year. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how the lien is assessed, to which the City Attorney responded there are two options: the Council could choose to levy an assessment, which would be collected with the property taxes; the other option is to impose a lien against the title, which is collected when the property is sold or foreclosed upon; staff is recommending levying an assessment; the City receives payment from the County for assessments. Councilmember Tam stated the City's objective is to get properties safe; making it difficult for people to get a permit does not achieve said objective; requiring payment of the fines prior to issuing a permit creates a burden; that she is not inclined to penalize someone for losing their attorney; inquired whether the property owner could get the property to meet safety codes if the lien is reduced or modified. Ms. Longoria stated $7,500 was due in past property taxes not related to the City; the family has paid said amount and is willing to work something out with the City; that she thought there had been communication with the City. Councilmember Tam inquired who would work with the Building Department to get the permits, to which Ms. Longoria responded that she would do so. Councilmember Tam inquired why no one started to work with the Building Department Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 11 June 18, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-06-18.pdf |