CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 16, 2015
PREPARED BY: Anthony Eulo, Program Administrator/Community Services Department
APPROVED BY: City Manager
TITLE
2016 HAZARDOUS VEGETATION PROGRAM
END
RECOMMENDATION(S)
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution Declaring Weeds and Brush to be a Nuisance and Setting the Hazardous Vegetation Public Hearing on February 3, 2016.
BODY
COUNCIL PRIORITIES, GOALS & STRATEGIES:
Ongoing Priorities
Enhancing public safety
Protecting the environment
REPORT NARRATIVE:
Weed and brush abatement services constitute the City's hazardous vegetation program and are key to reducing fire risk and protecting public safety. The City of Morgan Hill has contracted with Santa Clara County for weed and brush abatement services since 1996. In the last several years, City and County staff have successfully worked together to streamline program administration and improve communications with Morgan Hill property owners. The County's Department of Agriculture and Environmental Management - Weed Abatement Division manages the program.
As in prior years, staff has combined the initial resolution (attached) for both the weed and brush abatement programs. Staff proposes that the abatement program commencement hearing take place on February 3, 2016. Once the attached resolution is adopted, County staff will notify the affected property owners of the February 3rd public hearing and of their obligations to abate hazardous vegetation before the deadline. In response to the City's past request for more notification to the property owners, the County will also be mailing a courtesy notice out to affected property owners in the early Spring to further remind them of their obligations.
The City's Fire Department and the County's Weed Abatement Division are continuing to integrate their efforts and communication methods. This will both enhance customer service and reduce the City's staff time required...
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