(a) Resolution and notice. When any lot, building or structure in the city, because of an accumulation of refuse or debris, the uncontrolled growing of noxious weeds, age, dilapidation or any other condition or happening, becomes, in the opinion of Council, a public hazard or nuisance which is dangerous to the health, safety or welfare of the inhabitants of the city or to those residing or habitually going near such lot, building or structure, Council may, by resolution, after investigation, determine that a hazard or nuisance exists, prescribe a form of notice and direct the City Clerk to give such notice by publication or by registered mail, addressed to the last known address of the owner of the land upon which such nuisance exists or to the owner of the building or structure itself, to abate such nuisance or remove such hazard.
(b) Contents of notice. The notice to abate or remove the hazard or nuisance shall specify the nature of the hazard or nuisance, shall describe the property on which the same is located, shall require the owner to abate or remove the hazard or nuisance promptly and shall designate a time within which the same shall be abated or removed, which time shall be commensurate with the nature of the hazard or nuisance.
(c) Removal by city. If, at the expiration of the time limit specified in the notice to remove or abate a hazard or nuisance, the owner has not complied with the requirements thereof, or in any case where the owner of the land or of the building or structure itself is not known, Council may, by resolution, order such hazard removed or nuisance abated under the direction of the Mayor by the proper department or agency of the city, or may do the work by contract or by hire.
(d) Mayor’s duties. The Mayor shall take all steps necessary to carry out the directions of Council in removing a hazard or abating a nuisance, shall keep or cause to be kept an accurate record of all expenses in connection therewith and, upon completion of the work to be performed, shall submit to Council a report of the work done and of all expenses in connection therewith.
(e) Assessment of costs. Council shall, by resolution, after examination of the Mayor’s report, determine what amount or part of each such expense shall be charged and the person, if known, against whom, and the premises upon which, the same shall be levied as a special assessment. By such resolution, Council shall determine the number of installments in which the assessment may be paid, determine the rate of interest to be charged on installments, not to exceed 6% per year, designate the district or land and premises upon which special assessments shall be levied, direct the City Assessor to prepare a special assessment roll in accordance with Council’s determination, designate the name by which the assessment roll shall be known and referred to, and, as often as Council deems it expedient, require notice of all of the several amounts so reported and determined to be given by the City Clerk, either by registered mail sent to the last known address of the owner as shown on the assessment roll of the city or by publication.
(f) Special assessment roll. The City Assessor shall prepare a special assessment roll, including all lots and parcels of land within the special assessment district designated by Council, and shall assess to each such lot or parcel of land such sums as may have been directed by Council.
(g) Certificate of assessor. When the City Assessor has completed such assessment roll, he or she shall attach thereto and endorse thereon his or her certificate to the effect that the roll has been made by him or her pursuant to a resolution of Council (giving the date of adoption of the same) and that in making the assessments therein he or she has, as near as may be, according to his or her best judgment, conformed in all respects to the directions contained in such resolution, the City Charter and this chapter. Thereupon, he or she shall file such special assessment roll with the City Clerk who shall forthwith give notice as required by Council.
(h) Notice of hearing on roll. Upon receipt of such special assessment roll, the City Clerk shall give notice as directed by Council, which notice shall state the basis of the assessment and the amount thereof, describe the property affected thereby and give a reasonable time, which shall not be less than 30 days, in which a hearing may be had thereon or payment made.
(i) Hearing on objections. If payment is not made within the time specified in the resolution and notice, Council shall meet at the time and place provided and hear any objections to the roll as prepared.
(j) Corrections and changes. Council may correct the roll as to any assessment or description of any lot or parcel of land or other errors appearing therein. Any changes made in the roll shall be noted in the Council minutes.
(k) Confirmation of roll. After the hearing, Council shall confirm such special assessment roll with such corrections as may have been made, and the City Clerk shall endorse the date of confirmation thereon, and upon confirmation such roll shall be final and conclusive.
(Ord. 24, passed 12-8-1954)