1. In addition to any other remedy allowed by law, the weed official may notify, in writing, the property owner, or occupant in possession or control of any land in the City upon which weeds exist in violation of this chapter. Such written notice may be by regular mail. Such written notice need only be given once per calendar year. Such notice should include the following:
A. That the property owner or occupant in possession or control of the land is in violation of this chapter.
B. That the property owner or occupant in possession or control of the land is ordered to cut weeds and vegetation within three days of the date of the letter.
C. That if the property owner or occupant in possession or control of the land does not cut the weeds and vegetation, that the City or its authorized agent may cut the weeds and vegetation, and assess the cost of the cutting, including a reasonable administrative fee, against the owner or occupant in possession or control of the land.
D. That the property owner or occupant in possession or control of the land will be given an opportunity to pay the assessment, but if it is not paid, will be assessed against the property for collection in the same manner as property tax.
E. That no further notice shall be given prior to removal of weeds and vegetation during the current calendar year.
F. That the property owner or occupant in possession or control of the land may request a hearing before the Council within three days of the receipt of notice.
2. Upon completion of the weed abatement, the weed official or the duly designated person will certify the contracted cost and expenses as provided by law against the property to be paid as required by law and bill the costs plus an administrative fee set by the City Administrator to cover the costs for inspection, notice preparation/mailing, tracking, billing, and any required services to execute the abatement thereof to the property owner or occupant in possession or control of lands, including railroad lands within the City. On invoices not paid within 30 days, there will be an additional fee for assessment against the property.
3. The second or subsequent violation of this chapter will constitute a municipal infraction and shall be cited and punished accordingly. Additionally, violations of this chapter may be subject to the penalties provided for in Chapter 4 of this Code of Ordinances.
4. This fee schedule shall be reviewed annually to ensure all costs are recovered. If adjustments are required, City Council may establish a new fee schedule by resolution.
5. The weed official or any authorized assistant, employee, contracting agents, or other representatives are hereby expressly authorized to enter upon private property at all reasonable hours for the purpose of cutting, destroying, and/or removing such weeds and vegetation in a manner not inconsistent with terms of this chapter.