Politics & Government

Richfield Approves Vacant Property Ordinance Despite Some Community Concerns

The Richfield City Council met for its regular meeting Tuesday night

While multiple local realtors and property owners expressed concerns about the city’s proposed vacant property ordinance, the approved the second reading of the ordinance Tuesday night.

The ordinance amends the current city code by adding a subsection requiring vacant property owners to register their properties with the city. In addition, property owners are required to maintain and manage the property in compliance with city code. If the city finds the properties aren’t being properly taken care of, the new ordinance allows the city to take action where it wouldn’t have been able to before.

“Something has to be done,” said . “When [properties aren’t] properly managed and maintained the city incurs costs to monitor [them].”

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Richfield resident and realtor, Pat Paulson, was one of a handful of speakers who asked the city council members to allow for more time before approving the resolution.

“I do agree that we need to do something,” said Paulson. “[But] there is lots of concern with the wording [of the ordinance].”

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The biggest wording concern for property owners was a clause that would allow the city to demolish the home or building.

Specifically, if after 365 days the property owner has not maintained the property and no plan of action, such as rehabbing the property for sale, has been submitted to the city, the city can choose to demolish it itself if the owner won’t.

Council members and , director of , attempted to mitigate concerns over the wording by telling the audience the ordinance is simply a way the city can keep track of properties and be able to take action to keep the community in good condition.

“It’s not going to be an issue unless someone isn’t maintaining the property,” Wroge said.

In other business,

  • All consent calendar items were approved, including the for a Hennepin County grant to partially finance the acquisition;
  • Officer Bill Stanger was presented with the 2010 Richfield Police Officer of the Year Award and Officer Brad Drayna received a certificate for Outstanding Law Enforcement Services from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD);
  • Izzy, a yellow lab and fully trained canine police officer, was presented as an official member of the Richfield Public Safety Department;
  • The council held a public hearing regarding the approval of creating a plat of land at 6528 Penn Avenue, where the new will go;
  • The council approved the initial plans for the 25 mph curve option, which was recommended by the Richfield Planning Commission for the project;
  • The council discussed the appointment of a new person to the city’s advisory committee.

The next council meeting is at 7 p.m. April 12 at Richfield City Hall.


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