06-071 Policy Prohibiting Action on Anonymous Complaints
CITY OF SHOREWOOD
RESOLUTION NO. 06-071
EST ABLISHING POLICY FOR THE
PROCESSING OF ANONYMOUS COMPLAINTS
WHEREAS, the City regularly receives complaints regarding violations of local ordinances
concerning the use of real property; and
WHEREAS, the City has historically maintained a passive policy relative to the enforcement of
nuisance and property violations, that is, such violations are addressed on a resident complaint basis, and
WHEREAS, the City has, in the past, processed all property violation and nuisance complaints
the same, whether or not the complainants identifY themselves or chooses to remain anonymous; and
WHEREAS, anonymous complaints have become increasingly problematic and difficult to
investigate for the following reasons:
. Without identification, the City has no way to get back to the complainant to obtain
additional information relative to the investigation
. The City is unable to advise anonymous complainants as to the status of the complaint
process (e.g. appeals)
. Occasionally anonymous complaints refer to incorrect addresses, with no way to verify
the actual location of the alleged violation
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes 13.44 already protects the identity of individuals making
property and nuisance complaints;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shore wood as
follows:
1. The City adopts the following policy concerning anonymous complaints relative to the use of
real property within the City of Shorewood:
The City of Shorewood will no longer accept or process complaints whereby the complainant
refuses to identifY himself or herself. All complaints must provide for means to contact the
complainant. The City will continue to adhere to the requirements of State statutes that protect
the identity of complainants.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SHOREWOOD this 11 th day of
September, 2006. 1 . ~'
(J1u -
WOODY LOVE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
AWSON, CITY ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK